 During his career, he made over 450 appearances in the Football League and also attained 26 caps playing for England, setting an team record for consecutive appearances which stood until 1957.Blenkinsop was born in Cudworth, near Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England on 20 April 1902 to James Hollings Blenkinsop and Annie Elizabeth Blenkinsop (née Green).One of seven children, he attended St. John's School.