Ray Middleton (6 September 1919 – 1977) was an English football goalkeeper and manager, and brother of Matt Middleton. Born in Boldon Colliery Middleton began his career at North Shields where he attracted the attentions of Chesterfield who signed him for £50. He established himself as first choice keeper but saw his career interrupted by World War II, remaining in the area to work as a miner during the conflict. Highly rated as a player despite not playing top-flight football, he appeared four times for England B and, unusually given their Second Division status, played alongside clubmate Stanley Milburn in one fixture. Off the pitch Middleton ran a grocer shop in Old Whittington and became involved in local Labour Party politics, even becoming the only active Football League player to se