Player Profile

This big goalkeeper joined Liverpool from Watford in December 1953 and was one of three different 'keepers used in League matches during the 1953/54 season - the others being Charlie Ashcroft and Russell Crossley. Liverpool had been shipping goals and were heading for the Second Division. The Daily Mail said in September 1953 that Underwood was a "dressing-room comedian who was “a bit of a boxer” in the Army during National Service." At the time of his signing, Don Welsh, Liverpool's manager, claimed Underwood was “the most promising young goalkeeper in football." Underwood went straight into the side after his arrival from Vicarage Road and only missed two games between his debut on 19 December 1953 and the end of that season. Underwood would never forget his debut for all the wrong reasons accidentally shattering the left leg of his teammate, Eddie Spicer, which ended his career. Underwood started the following season as first choice, but lost his place to Ashcroft after only a handful of matches and didn't get another first-team opportunity until at the end of November 1955. He took over from Doug Rudham but after playing 26 consecutive League and Cup games the South African won his place back before the end of the season. Underwood was quite understandably incensed and demanded to be put on the transfer list. His wish was granted and Underwood returned to Watford in Third Division South in July 1956. Underwood had three spells at Watford (1952-1953, 1956-1957 and 1960-1963) and was a very popular figure at the club. Despite being a part-timer, working for a haulage contractor, Underwood's performances impressed and he was voted Watford's Player of the Year in 1962 and landed a move to first division Fulham. Following an injury to Fulham's number one, Underwood made 16 appearances in the 1963/64 season, a great comeback for the 'keeper. In 1977 Underwood was appointed Chairman of Barnet from the 1977/78 season to 1981/82. In his tenure at the club Barnet signed footballing great Jimmy Greaves, who later thanked Underwood for helping him in the fight to overcome his much-publicized alcohol addiction.

Former teammate of Underwood at Hastings recalled his experiences of Underwood in an interview with John Motson. “Dave was manager and goalkeeper with a face like an old-time prize fighter; a broken nose, swollen lips. He also talked with a lisp. I was always notoriously late for games and I remember one Sunday we were playing the inmates of Ford Open Prison and Dave told me the kick-off was two o'clock. At five to two on the dot I rushed in breathlessly to find an empty dressing room. About a quarter of an hour later, big Dave strolled in with the rest of the players grinning fit to burst: `Whoopth-a-daithy,' he says, `I've thuthed you out Ricky, alwayth late. Kick-off'th at free.' I loved the man, I truly did."