Frank Townrow

Frank was born in West Ham, London, in 1902.

He showed promise at an early age, and represented England Schoolboys. His brother, Jack, also played for England Schoolboys. He went on to gain two full England caps, and had a successful career with Clapton Orient and Chelsea.

At the end of World War 1, Frank joined Barking Town, then signed for Chelsea. By the end of the 1919-1920 season, he hadn’t made any first team appearances so moved to non-league Northfleet.

Signing amateur forms with Woolwich Arsenal in November 1920, he turned professional in April 1921. Playing mainly in the reserves, he made eight first team appearances.

Frank made his way to Dens Park in July 1926, alongside three other new signings, all of whom were forwards. He made his debut against Hearts in a 4-1 home win.

After a good start at Dens Park, Frank was seriously ill with a “fever”. Recovery was slow, but he was back in the team by January. However, he struggled to get back to his previous form.

Although signed as an inside right, he was asked to play centre-half, due to injuries, during the winter months of 1927, garnering praise in the press, with one reporter stating that he could become “one of the classiest half-backs in Scotland.” He continued in this position into the following year.

In November 1929, Frank put in a transfer request. The club directors delayed making a decison, as they weren’t keen to lose him. It was felt that his performances had helped stave off relegation.

By March 1930, Frank was playing in the reserves, in his previous position of inside forward. Cardiff City had shown interest in taking him down to Wales, but it was Bristol City that gained his services, leaving on a free transfer.

He spent a season with Bristol City, before joining rivals, Bristol Rovers, in 1931, where he played alongside his brother Jack. Before ending a long career with Taunton Town in 1934

Frank made 103 appearances for Dundee over the four seasons he was with the club, and scored twenty four goals.