Tom Callender

Who is Tom Callender?

Thomas Sanderson "Tom" Callender was an English professional football centre back of the 1930s, '40s and '50s.

Callender began his career before the Second World War with local non-league side Crawcrook Albion before moving to Third Division North side Lincoln City. After the war, Callender moved to Gateshead where he made his name. Although playing in the lower divisions of the Football League Callender was considered worthy of a place in the England team by contemporaries. Indeed such was the esteem in which his play was held that Gateshead turned down a £15,000 offer from Newcastle United for his services. Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Major Frank Buckley also allegedly made an undisclosed offer for the outstanding centre back. At Gateshead Callender and his brother Jack made 910 league appearances, a record for two brothers at the same club plus 75 cup appearances between them. Callender scored 58 goals for Gateshead in 439 league appearances, scoring an additional 3 goals in 35 appearances in the FA Cup. Callender also Captained the Third Division North XI v Third Division South XI.

On his retirement Callender managed Gateshead for a short period. Callender died 25 February 2002. Callender has been considered by fans and the media to be the greatest player to have worn a Gateshead shirt. Tommy Callender died 25 February 2002, aged 81