Pint sized Maurice Dunkley joined Northampton from Kettering in December 1936, replacing Rawlings who had gone to Milwall on the right wing, and Dunkley had scored 5 goals in his 26 games with Northampton, this attracted a host of clubs, he was signed by Manchester City in March 1938, in exchange for three players, Tilson, McCullough & Rodger. He was the second right winger signed by Manchester City in a week following Jack Pritchard from Coventry City. Dunkley had made a big impression in the 1936-37 season, but only made two appearances in 1937-1938. He also played first-class cricket for Northamptonshire.

During the War he was with the R.A.F and was stationed in the Midlands, whilst there he guested for Walsall & West Bom in April 1943.

His last season at Manchester City was the 1946-1947 promotion winning side. In 1947 he made a return to his first club Kettering town, after playing 51 games for Manchester City, followed by a return in July 1949 to Northampton Town.