Bedford Jezzard - 1927-2005
A typically English centre-forward, Jezzard was a powerful header of the ball who could score with both feet. Most of his goals for Fulham came in the Second Division where he formed a brilliant triumvirate with inside-forwards Bobby Robson and Johnny Haynes.
He served in the Essex Regiment during the war and after his demob became assistant secretary of the Old Merchant Taylor’s Sports Club. Fulham manager Jack Peart signed Jezzard as an amateur from Watford, and he promptly helped Fulham to promotion to the First Division for the first time in 1948-49.
‘Beddy’ scored 38 goals in 1953-54, setting a new post-war record. He scored four goals on two occasions – against Derby in October 1953 and Barnsley in August 1955 – but his best performance came against Hull in October 1955 when he scored five times. He also beat Jim Hammond’s aggregate record of 142 League goals in this game.
Honours came his way in the shape of two England caps, the first in a 7-1 defeat against Hungary and then a 3-0 victory over Northern Ireland in October 1955. He also represented the Football League.
Beddy’s playing career came to a premature end when he broke his leg on a tour to South Africa with the FA in the summer of 1956, but he stayed on at the Cottage and managed the club with much success.