Quick Facts
Biography
Denis Thwaites (14 December 1944 – 26 June 2015) was an English professional footballer who played as an outside left.
Born in Stockton-on-Tees, Thwaites first appeared in Birmingham City's first team as a 16-year-old in September 1961. He turned professional in May 1962 and played several games in the First Division at the start of the 1962–63 season while Bertie Auld was injured. However he never became a regular first-team player, and suffered badly from nerves while playing.
His last appearance for the first team came in the 1971–72 season, and he retired from professional football in 1972 at the relatively young age of 27. He then worked for Rover car manufacturers in Birmingham during the 70s, later moving to Blackpool, where he subsequently became a hospital porter.
Thwaites' nephew, Steve Lilwall, played as a left-back for Kidderminster Harriers and West Bromwich Albion.
Death
He and his wife Elaine were murdered in the 2015 Sousse attacks in Tunisia. A minute's silence was held for Thwaites on 1 August 2015 before Birmingham City's friendly game against Leicester City at St Andrew's.
Links
- Matthews, Tony (1995). Birmingham City: A Complete Record. Derby: Breedon Books. pp. 129, 197–207. ISBN 978-1-85983-010-9.
- Denis Thwaites career at Post War English & Scottish Football League A–Z Player's Database