Hodgkinson was born in Tunstall, Staffordshire[2] and was playing for his local side when he was spotted by a scout from Southern League Southampton.
After a successful trial,[2] he moved to the south coast in December 1895 making his debut for the "Saints" when he took over from George Marshall against Chatham at the Antelope Ground on 18 January 1896.
Hodgkinson and his fellow defenders only conceded 18 goals in 20 matches, as Southampton claimed the Southern League title for the first of six times over the next eight seasons.
Hodgkinson missed the final five matches of the League season through injury, with local schoolmaster William Ponting replacing him.
[4] In the close-season, Southampton recruited the experienced Bob Petrie and Hodgkinson was released, joining fellow Southern League team, New Brompton.