Bodell played only four times in 1962–63, having signed month-by-month contracts because of a dispute over terms, and signed for Crewe Alexandra, about to gain promotion to the Third Division, in May 1963.[7] Bodell played more regularly for Crewe over the next three seasons,[4] but moved on to Fourth Division club Halifax Town in October 1967, where he was appointed captain and played almost exclusively at left back, a position he had occupied from time to time at his previous clubs.[8][4]
Bodell left Northern Premier League club Altrincham, where his playing career ended because of knee ligament damage but where he had continued as coach, to become manager of Barrow in March 1969. He helped them avoid relegation that season, but was sacked the following February[9][10] with the team heading back down to the Fourth Division.[8] He went on to coach the reserve team at Wolverhampton Wanderers[11] and the first team at Preston North End under Bobby Charlton's management[12] before becoming Jim Smith's assistant at Blackburn Rovers in July 1975. When Smith left Blackburn for Birmingham City in March 1978, Bodell acted as caretaker manager for eight games until Jim Iley was appointed, and then rejoined Smith at Birmingham.[13] This situation was repeated four years later when Smith's dismissal in February 1982 left Bodell as caretaker for two matches until the appointment of Ron Saunders.[14] Bodell remained at Birmingham as coach and as chief scout, a post he went on to hold at West Bromwich Albion.[13]
Bodell died on 22 November 2024 at the age of 86.[15]
^Jones, Stuart (19 February 1982). "Villa's loss becomes Birmingham's gain". The Times. p. 20. Norman Bodell, acting as manager since Jim Smith was suddenly dismissed on Monday, will be in charge of the side for the local derby.
