 During a 2–1 victory over Derby County on 24 November 1935, he suffered a serious cartilage injury that was believed to have been career threatening at the time.In January 1935, Liverpool looked to use Blenkinsop's experience despite his injury by appointing him as a non-playing captain for a league match against Blackburn Rovers with the remit of supporting and advising his teammates from the side of the pitch.However, Football Association (FA) guidelines did not permit club representatives to coach players along the boundaries of the pitch and the match referee was instructed to intervene if Blenkinsop attempted to influence play.