Thomas William Rudkin (16 June 1919 – 30 April 1969)[1] was an English professional footballer who played as a left winger.
[2] Born in Peterborough, Rudkin played for Creswell before joining Wolverhampton Wanderers as an amateur in February 1938 before moving to Lincoln City in May 1938.
[2][3] In the Second World War, Rudkin joined a tank regiment based at Catterick, before being sent to Germany During the war, Rudkin had a number of spells with hometown club Peterborough United in the Midland League,[4] as well as guest appearances for Lincoln City, Hartlepool United,[5] Darlington, Southampton and Middlesbrough.
[1][6] After the war Rudkin played for Peterborough United in their pre-Football League days and joined First Division Arsenal in January 1947.
[11] Rudkin left Bristol City to join struggling Southern League club Hastings United in June 1951,[6] but later returned to the south-west as player-manager of Weston-super-Mare before settling in his native Peterborough.