Hodgkinson was born in
Tunstall, Staffordshire and was playing for his local side when he was spotted by a scout from
Southern League Southampton. After a successful trial, Saints' trainer,
Bill Dawson, nicknamed him "
Ironside", as his short cropped hair and rolled-up sleeves gave him a tough image, which he maintained throughout his time with the Saints. In the
close-season, Southampton recruited the experienced
Bob Petrie and Hodgkinson was released, joining fellow Southern League team,
New Brompton. ==Honours==