Obituary: Ken Hancock

Saturday, 3 May 2025 00:00

Some sad news has reached Bury Football Club with former Shakers goalkeeper Ken Hancock sadly passing away this week at the age of 87.

Ken joined the Shakers in July 1971, being signed by Tom McAnearney as a replacement for Neil Ramsbottom, but after just 24 appearances for the club during 1971/1972 season, lost his place to John Forrest.

By the time that he became a Bury player, Ken was already 34 years and had enjoyed a long and successful career with Port Vale, Ipswich Town and Tottenham Hotspur.

At Port Vale, where he played 241 league games over seven seasons, he is regarded as possibly their best ever goalkeeper and was a member of their Division Four promotion side in 1959. At Ipswich, he was ever-present in their 1968 Championship side as they reached the top tier of English football.

After leaving Bury, Ken played for Stafford Rangers and Northwich Victoria, and later became manager – and later chairman, at Leek Town.

Everyone at Bury Football Club passes on their sincere condolences to Ken’s family.

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