Graham Paddon was known for his creativity on the left side of midfield, his powerful left foot, and an uncanny ability to dictate the pace of a match.
PART ONE
Born in Manchester on August 24, 1950, Graham Paddon’s love for football began at a young age. His early years were spent in the heart of one of the most football-obsessed cities in the world, and as a teenager, he moved quickly through the ranks. As a youth, he was spotted by Coventry City, who brought him into their youth setup. Under the guidance of Noel Cantwell, Paddon embarked on his professional journey at the club, making his debut as a 19-year-old in February 1969. This debut came in a 3–1 victory over Queens Park Rangers, a match that not only marked his first appearance but also his first step into the top tier of English football.
Although he only made five First Division appearances for Coventry, Paddon’s potential was unmistakable. He scored one goal during his brief time at the club, catching the eye of bigger teams in the league. But it was clear that his future lay elsewhere, and in 1969, just months after his senior debut, Paddon moved to Norwich City for a transfer fee of £25,000, a considerable sum for the time.
At Norwich, Paddon’s career truly began to take flight. Joining a club that had just been relegated to the Second Division, Paddon quickly became a key figure in the team’s rise back to the First Division. His creativity in midfield, combined with his eye for a goal, helped Norwich secure the 1971–72 Football League Second Division title. Paddon contributed eight goals during the season, a remarkable feat for a midfielder, as the Canaries clinched promotion.
However, Paddon’s contribution wasn’t limited to his attacking play. He was a key figure in Norwich’s journey to the 1973 League Cup Final, a run that saw him score a hat-trick in the quarter-final against Arsenal. This performance catapulted him into the national spotlight. Despite Norwich’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the final, Paddon’s performances had firmly established him as one of the top midfielders in the country.
The 1970s were a defining decade for Paddon. By the time he left Norwich in 1973, Paddon had made 198 appearances and scored 28 goals for the club, leaving a legacy as one of their brightest talents. His combination of creativity, vision, and an instinctive ability to score goals would go on to influence future generations of Norwich players.
PART TWO
In December 1973, Paddon made the move to West Ham United for £170,000, a transfer fee that made him the club’s most expensive player at the time. Joining a team that already included stars like Billy Bonds and Trevor Brooking, Paddon was expected to add an extra dimension to the team’s creative play. Under manager Ron Greenwood, West Ham were a force to be reckoned with, and Paddon’s skillful passing and playmaking ability blended seamlessly into the team’s fluid attacking style.
His first season at West Ham was a success, making 26 appearances and contributing to the team’s progress in the league. But it was the following season that truly put Paddon’s name in the history books. The 1974–75 FA Cup campaign was a standout for West Ham, and Paddon was instrumental in the team’s progress to the final. West Ham defeated Fulham 2–0 in the final, with Alan Taylor scoring the second goal after a shot from Paddon was poorly dealt with by Fulham’s goalkeeper Peter Mellor. Paddon’s contribution in that game, though indirect in terms of goals, was crucial to the team’s success.
Moreover, Paddon scored one of his most memorable goals in 1974–75, a stunning 40-yard strike against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The goal, assisted by the wind, was a testament to Paddon’s ability to score from distance, a trait that would become one of his hallmarks. His performances that season saw him become a fan favourite, and his contributions in the league and cup runs earned him the status of a West Ham legend. Paddon’s hard work and consistent displays also earned him the runner-up spot for Hammer of the Year, behind the legendary Trevor Brooking.
Paddon’s influence at West Ham continued into the following season, where he played every game of the 1975–76 European Cup Winners’ Cup campaign. His performances were vital, particularly in the semi-final against Eintracht Frankfurt, where he scored a stunning long-range goal in the first leg. However, despite Paddon’s heroics, West Ham could not overcome Anderlecht in the final, losing by a single goal. The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, but for Paddon, it was another milestone in a career that had already provided numerous highlights.
By the time he left West Ham in 1976, Paddon had made 152 appearances and scored 15 goals. His time at the club was marked by a combination of success in domestic and European competitions, and his contribution to West Ham’s attacking play had made him a key figure in the team.
PART THREE
In November 1976, Paddon returned to Norwich City, who had been promoted to the First Division in his absence. His second spell at the club, however, was marred by injury. A broken leg in only his third game back sidelined him for a full year. Despite this setback, Paddon returned to the pitch and captained Norwich, leading them to a solid mid-table finish in the top tier of English football.
During his time at Norwich, Paddon’s influence grew. As captain, he provided leadership and experience to a side that was still finding its feet in the top flight. His powerful left foot continued to be a key weapon, and his creativity in midfield helped Norwich secure their place in the First Division for several seasons.
After his time at Norwich, Paddon spent a brief period in the United States with the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 1978. During this time, he scored against his old club Norwich in an indoor friendly. However, by the 1980s, Paddon’s career was winding down. He spent a short time on loan at Millwall during the 1981–82 season, before finishing his career in Hong Kong with Eastern AA and Northern Counties East club Alfreton Town.
Despite the later years of his career being less glamorous, Paddon remained a respected figure in English football. His contribution to the game, both on the pitch and as a coach in his later years, solidified his place in football history. After retiring as a player, Paddon moved into coaching, working with clubs such as Portsmouth, Stoke City, and Derby County, where he became known for his tactical insights.
Graham Paddon’s life came to a tragic end when he passed away on November 19, 2007, aged just 57. The news of his death was met with an outpouring of tributes from across the football world. His former teammates at Norwich, West Ham, and other clubs he had played for, spoke of his ability, his leadership, and his dedication to the game. Paddon was remembered not just for his skill on the ball, but for his generosity of spirit and his willingness to help others.