Ken Boden

NSL Career: Newcastle KB, Sydney City, Sydney Croatia 148 (64) / 1978 - 1984

Socceroos Career: 13 (2) A Internationals / 12 (5) B Internationals

One of the most entertaining and talented players to grace Australian football during the early era of the NSL, Ken Boden was virtually unknown when he arrived at Newcastle KB. An expert dribbler, Boden could operate as a midfielder but played his best football as a number nine, scoring regularly and spectacularly.

A Rotherham native, Boden left school at 15 and joined English First Division side Sheffield United. Promising but unable to reach the next level, Boden spent his early career in the Yorkshire Football League (non-league) while splitting his time as a star in the Rotherham Sunday League. 

Boden moved up to the regional Northern Premier League (a fifth tier league), initially with Matlock Town, before following coach Mike Hennigan to Gainsborough Trinity. Boden later moved to Bridlington Trinity in the Midland Football League where he was coached by Mick Jones, a future NSL coach, and earned a trial with English Fourth Division side Doncaster Rovers where he made one appearance. 

Boden signed for Brigg Town for the 1977/78 Midland Football League Premier Division season and was a key part of the team who dominated the league. In Australia, NSL club Newcastle KB's coach Alan Vest was urged to sign Boden by his acquaintance and Boden's coach at Bridlington Mick Jones. 

The 27 year old ended his frustration of playing in England's lower divisions by moving to Newcastle for their inaugural season in the Phillips Soccer League (1978) and was an instant success. Boden's wizardry with the ball and goal scoring ability shone a light on an otherwise disappointing opening season for Newcastle as he was the joint NSL Golden Boot winner with fellow Englishman Clive Eaton (Western Suburbs) and was named NSL Player of the Year.

Boden followed up his successful first season in Australia by again being a standout for Newcastle, scoring 12 goals in 26 league games during 1979 season before being rushed in to the Socceroos set up, initially with the B team where he put in a strong performance in Australia's two-one win over a New York Cosmos side that included global stars Franz Beckenbauer and Carlos Alberto.

In 1980, Boden broken the NSL transfer fee record by moving to Sydney City for $25,000. Boden continued his strong goal scoring form and shared the responsibility with his City team mates as the side went on to win the championship. Boden scored two goals in Australia B's two-one victory over Leicester City before playing against his home country England in his second Socceroos A cap.

Boden won back-to-back championships with City in 1981 and was again the club's top scorer, as well as making the last of his 13 Socceroos A appearances against New Zealand during Australia's 1982 World Cup qualifying campaign. City made it a three-peat of championships in 1982 as the 32 year old Boden was used sparingly to allow youngster David Mitchell to mark his mark.

Boden spent one more season at City as they finished runners-up in the 1983 season before frustration early in the 1984 season led to the veteran seeking a transfer to new NSL club Sydney Croatia after four games. Boden moved in to a midfield role for Croatia before hanging up his boots at the end of season at the age of 34.