Ken Mallender

Who is Ken Mallender?

Kenneth "Ken" Mallender is a retired English footballer who played during the 1960s and early 1970s. He played as a left-sided defender.

Born in Thrybergh, South Yorkshire Mallender began his senior career in 1961 at Sheffield United where he remained until his move to Norwich City in the autumn of 1968. After a decade playing in the First and Second Divisions, Mallender dropped down into non-league football to play for Hereford United; one of the leading clubs in the Southern League. In doing so, he went part-time and secured a full-time job as a sales representative for Cadbury.

Mallender's first season at Edgar Street saw him play in 72 out of 79 first team matches that season, including every match of Hereford's famous cup run. In a second replay against Northampton Town, Mallender scored the most important goal of his career; an injury time equaliser which kept the cup run alive.

Mallender remained with Hereford as they were elected to the Football League and missed just one league match the following season. Another successful season followed with promotion to the Third Division.