374 Norman Moore

Biography

Striker Norman Moore joined the Tigers in May 1947 at the end of a long 1946/47 season that dragged on until early June after a severe winter. He was one of a number of players to debut at that time, some of which were not to be selected again by the Tigers, but Moore was an exception. He stayed with City for three seasons, was converted from Grimsby Town half back to Hull City centre forward and became a central figure in attack as Hull City were transformed under the tutelage of Raich Carter from plucky also-rans to promotion candidate and Division Two powerhouse.

In the 1947/48 season Moore started 24 of the 46 league games, often playing at centre forward but also filling in at inside forward and centre half. He managed 13 goals in the season, including a hattrick at home to Hartlepool in October 1947 and an impressive double against Chester in April 1948, which was Raich Carter’s first home match as City manager. Moore clearly impressed the new boss because he started the 1948/49 season in the centre forward shirt and scored eight goals in the first 7 games. As the Tigers swept to the top of the table Moore continued to contribute goals, though his place in the first team was intermittent between December and March as he was alternated with experienced striker Billy Price. During this time Moore was selected to play in an FA Cup tie against his former side Grimsby Town, scoring twice as the Lincolnshire side were dispatched 3-2 on their home turf. Moore finished the season as he started it, scoring 11 goals in thirteen appearances including a hattrick against Stockport County in late April. Elevated to the Second Division, Norman again started the season at the forefront of Raich Carter’s plans and scored eight goals in the opening 15 games. In November 1949 Norman was selected to play in an FA XI against Oxford University – he scored, naturally. But by then the signing of striker Bob Gibson from Aberdeen saw Moore again used intermittently and in March 1950 he was sold to Blackburn Rovers for a £3,500 fee.

Grimsby born Norman Woodliffe Moore came from a footballing family, his brother Tom and his nephews Andy, David and Kevin all served Grimsby Town. As did Norman, who began his Blundell Park career in March 1939 when signing from local league side Humber United, but saw that career halted within months by World War Two. During the conflict Moore played for the Army Representative XI and made wartime appearances for several teams including Wrexham, Chester, Charlton and Norwich. He eventually made his senior debut for the Mariners in a January 1946 FA Cup tie against Sunderland – the FA Cup resumed in the 1945/46 season, a year before the Football League. Norman went on to make seven league starts and scored one goal for the Mariners. All in all, he came to Hull City in May 1947 with something to prove.

Point proven, Moore joined the Tigers’ Division Two rivals Blackburn Rovers in March 1950 but quickly dropped out of first team contention and made only seven appearances in 17 months, scoring once in April 1950 against Preston North End. In August 1951 he switched to Division Two side Bury but managed only two starts for the Shakers in March 1952, the last senior appearances of his career.

In July 1952 Moore joined Midland League side Goole Town, spending the 1952/53 season by the River Ouse. He moved to Midland League rivals Wisbech Town in July 1953 and stayed for two years before joining Lincolnshire League side Barton Town in July 1955. Moore ended his playing days by spending the 1957/58 season at Alford United, another Lincolnshire League side.

After his playing career ended Moore worked in a paper merchants in Grimsby, rising to the Board of Directors. He also had farming interests at North Kelsey, between Caistor and Scunthorpe. He retired in Grimsby and died there in March 2007.

Details

Nationality: England
Date/Place of Birth: 15 October 1919, Grimsby
Hull City First Game: 24 May 1947, Oldham Athletic H (Division Three North), 27 years, 221 days old
Hull City Final Game: 25 February 1950, Queens Park Rangers H (Division Two), 30 years, 133 days old

Clubs

Humber United, Grimsby Town (1939-1947), Hull City (1947-1950), Blackburn Rovers (1950-1951), Bury (1951-1952), Goole Town (1952-1953), Wisbech Town (1953-1955), Barton Town (1955-1957), Alford United (1957-1958)

Hull City Record

Career: 92 apps, 53 goals

Norman Moore
SeasonLGE
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1946/4730
1947/48241310
1948/49312266
1949/50231141

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