A speedy winger with a powerful shot and superb dribbling skills, Roy Greenwood was something of a journeyman player who appeared for Hull City, Sunderland, Derby County, Swindon Town, Huddersfield Town, Tranmere Rovers, and Scarborough.

PART ONE

Born Leeds, England, September 26, 1952, Roy Greenwood’s story began at Hull City, where he joined the club as an apprentice. In October 1970, he signed his first professional contract, a significant step for a young player eager to make his mark. His debut, however, was delayed, with Greenwood making his first-team appearance as a substitute under manager Terry Neill in early 1971. It was a slow start, but persistence is often the hallmark of success.

In the 1972/73 season, Greenwood began to establish himself, scoring his first goal against Huddersfield Town just before Christmas. This breakthrough was a turning point. He remained a regular starter, showcasing his pace and skill on the wing, and finished the season with a brace against Cardiff City in the final league game. Notably, during the 1973/74 season, Greenwood became a key figure for Hull, missing only one match and netting twelve goals in all competitions. His consistent performances highlighted his importance to the team, and he was quickly becoming a fan favorite.

In January 1976, following a prolific spell at Hull, Greenwood’s talents attracted the attention of Sunderland, who made a £120,000 bid. This move marked a significant transition in his career. Joining Sunderland, he replaced the experienced Ian Porterfield on the left wing. It didn’t take long for Greenwood to settle in; he scored twice in a convincing 3-0 victory over Southampton, signaling his arrival at the club.

Despite the excitement of promotion to the First Division, his time at Sunderland was plagued by injuries. His debut season in the top tier ended prematurely due to a January injury. Nonetheless, he returned to make an impact, netting four goals in the following season, including strikes against teams like Cardiff and Fulham. However, another injury setback curtailed his season once again.

PART TWO

In January 1979, Greenwood was transferred to Derby County, a club that was then battling relegation. His adaptation was swift, yet challenging; he made his mark with a goal in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Aston Villa, but his contributions were limited by the precarious position of the team. Derby managed to stave off relegation that season, showcasing resilience in the face of adversity. The 1979/80 season saw Greenwood start strongly, but injuries took their toll once more. His frustration was palpable; he had shown flashes of brilliance but could not maintain consistency due to recurring physical issues. In February 1980, he made yet another move, this time to Swindon Town, where he hoped to rejuvenate his career.

At Swindon, Greenwood debuted in April 1980, integrating into a squad that had ambitions of climbing the ranks in the Third Division. His initial season saw him play 30 games, scoring three goals. Despite the struggle of the team, Greenwood’s experience was invaluable, and he demonstrated glimpses of the form that had initially marked his rise at Hull. However, just as Greenwood seemed to find his footing, injuries reared their ugly heads again. The 1981/82 season followed a similar trajectory, with Greenwood managing 25 appearances before seeking a fresh start at Huddersfield Town in August 1982.

Joining Huddersfield, Greenwood’s career took another turn. His fourth league start for the club ended abruptly as he suffered a season-ending injury. This setback was devastating, but it was a testament to his character that he returned to football a year later, albeit through a loan spell at Tranmere Rovers.

At Tranmere, Greenwood experienced a brief resurgence. The change of scenery provided the much-needed spark that had eluded him at Huddersfield. Nonetheless, his time there was short-lived, and he returned to Huddersfield, where he made a handful of appearances before leaving the club in the summer of 1984.

Greenwood’s last stop as a player was Scarborough, where he finished his career. His time there, although not as prolific in terms of goals, was vital for the team. He brought a wealth of experience and professionalism to the squad, mentoring younger players and contributing to a sense of camaraderie within the dressing room. After hanging up his boots, Greenwood stepped away from the professional game and chose a quieter life in Yorkshire, turning to golf as a new passion.