Leonard Badger, born Darnall, Sheffield, England, June 8, 1945. A tenacious, dependable, and determined defender, Len Badger rose through the junior ranks to become a club legend at Sheffield United.
Hailing from the Darnall area of Sheffield, Len Badger’s football career began at an early age. He first showcased his potential while playing school football for both Sheffield Boys and England Schoolboys, a clear indication of the bright future that lay ahead. It wasn’t long before he caught the attention of Sheffield United, a club deeply embedded in the heart of the city’s football culture. Badger progressed through the junior ranks at the club and, by August 1962, signed his first professional contract at the age of 17. The following year, Badger made his league debut for the Blades on April 26, 1963, in a match against Leyton Orient at Bramall Lane. His performances soon earned him the starting spot at right-back by the conclusion of the 1963-64 season, as he replaced the aging stalwart Cec Coldwell. Badger quickly established himself as a reliable figure in Sheffield United’s backline, renowned for his defensive solidity and attacking instincts.
Badger’s rise at Sheffield United wasn’t just about his skill on the field; it was also about his leadership qualities. In 1968, John Harris, the manager at the time, appointed him as the club’s captain. At just 23 years old, Badger became the youngest league captain in Sheffield United’s history, a testament to the trust and respect he commanded within the squad. His appointment was reflective of his maturity and ability to lead from the back, inspiring his teammates with his no-nonsense defending and determined play. However, Sheffield United’s defence during the 1960s wasn’t just about solidity—it was dynamic, with Badger often pushing forward to support attacks. The arrival of Ted Hemsley in 1968, a player who would occupy the left-back position, allowed for one of the most fruitful full-back partnerships in the club’s post-war history. Together, Badger and Hemsley’s overlapping runs down the wings and pinpoint crosses added a new dimension to United’s play, providing width and creativity from defense.
The late 1960s and early 1970s marked one of the most successful periods in Sheffield United’s modern history, with Badger at the heart of the team’s rise. The 1969-70 season was a bittersweet one for the Blades, as they narrowly missed out on promotion to the First Division. Nevertheless, Badger’s contributions during that campaign were pivotal, as his attacking instincts from right-back frequently created goal-scoring opportunities. Moreover, his famed thunderous shots from long range made him a constant threat, even though he wasn’t known for scoring many goals. The following season, Sheffield United’s persistence paid off, with Badger ever-present in the side that secured promotion from Division Two in the 1970-71 season. His marauding runs down the right flank, solid defensive displays, and leadership qualities were key factors in their success. Though he did not find the net during that promotion campaign, his ability to deliver pinpoint crosses and support the attack from defense made him one of the most admired full-backs in the country.
Despite his domestic success, Badger found it difficult to break into the full England national team, largely due to the intense competition for the right-back position. During his prime, England had the likes of George Cohen and Keith Newton vying for the same spot, two outstanding players in their own right. Nevertheless, Badger represented England at various youth levels, making seven appearances for the England Youth team and 13 appearances for the England U23 side. His performances at these levels earned him a reputation as one of the finest young defenders in the country during the late 1960s. Badger also had the distinction of playing for the Football League XI, further underlining his status as one of the standout right-backs of his generation. His composure on the ball, coupled with his ability to drive forward and join attacks, made him a valuable asset for any side he represented. As Badger approached his thirties, his time at Sheffield United began to wind down. The arrival of new manager Jimmy Sirrel in the mid-1970s signaled a period of change for the club, and Badger found himself surplus to requirements at Bramall Lane.
In easrly 1976, after making 458 league appearances and scoring seven goals for Sheffield United, Badger was sold to Chesterfield. At Saltergate, Badger played for two more seasons, making 46 appearances. Although his time at the club was relatively short, his presence in the team was valued, even as he faced a series of knee injuries that would eventually bring his career to an untimely end. Despite these setbacks, Badger remained a figure of admiration, both at Chesterfield and among the Sheffield United faithful, for his professionalism and commitment to the game. Upon retiring from professional football, Badger took on a new challenge, becoming a publican in the Chesterfield area. His post-football life also saw him return to Sheffield United, where he served as a matchday host, welcoming fans and players alike, and sharing stories of his illustrious playing days. Badger’s connection with the club never truly waned, as he remained a beloved figure at Bramall Lane throughout his life.