David Roy Affleck (26 July 1912 – 11 August 1984) was a Scottish professional footballer who played as a centre-half for Clapton Orient and Southampton in the 1930s.

[edit] Playing career

Affleck was born in Coylton, Ayrshire and joined Notts County in July 1932 but made no first team appearances before moving on to Bristol City in May 1934. After a season with City he joined Clapton Orient in July 1935, where he spent two seasons in the Third Division South.

In May 1937, he was recruited by Tom Parker to join Southampton as part of his drive to strengthen the team in an attempt to gain promotion from the Second Division, along with Frank Hill (from Blackpool), Billy Bevis (from Portsmouth) and Ray Parkin (from Middlesbrough).

After two seasons at The Dell, "his heading ability, coupled with some incisive tackling, reportedly attracted the attention of top London clubs, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea"^[1] but, unfortunately, the war interrupted his career and prevented a move to a bigger club. Affleck joined the Southampton police reservists and, during the war, turned out for the Southampton Police XI as well as making sporadic appearances for The Saints in wartime matches.

When hostilities were over, he was 33 years old and joined non-league Yeovil Town. He was now a full-time policeman and remained in Somerset for the rest of his life.

[edit] References