John Leslie (Les) Dagger was born on 25 April 1933. He had done his National service in the North East and joined Preston in May 1956 from West Auckland.
He made his Lilywhites debut in a 6-0 home win over Sunderland on 3 November 1956, replacing Les Campbell in the number seven shirt. His first goal came in his sixth league appearance with the winner in a 4-3 win at Charlton on 8 December. Preston finished third in the First Division in 1956/57 season with him contributing 4 goals from 25 league appearances.
He was limited to just one goal in 10 appearances in 1957/58, PNE finished runners-up to Wolves and just 6 appearances in 1958/59. His limited appearances were due to injuries and the signing of Derek Mayers.
His most successful season in from of goal for PNE was in 1959/60 with 5 goals from 14 appearances. His final season with the club was in their relegation season of 1960/61 his last appearance was a 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa on 15 April 1961. In total Les Dagger scored 8 goals from 61 league appearances for Preston.
In June 1961 Carlisle manager Ivor Powell signed him for a fee of £750. He was an ever present in his first year at Brunton Park as Carlisle achieved their first promotion in 1962.
He made 74 appearances for Carlisle, netting 9 goals, before joining Southport in July 1963.
In the two seasons with Southport he scored 9 goals from 81 appearances.
He was a talented all round sportsman and had represented Preston at cricket and table tennis as well as football. He was a low handicap golfer and was a member of the PNE ex Players Association.
After football, he was a time served painter and decorator and later worked for Lancashire County Council and helped to teach handicapped adults and children.