Football trailblazer celebrated with blue plaque

Jack Leslie, pictured scoring a goal against Queens Park Rangers, was known for his remarkable skills as a striker

Historic England is due to unveil a blue plaque at the former home of groundbreaking black footballer Jack Leslie.

The event at 8 Glendower Road in Plymouth later marks the 100th anniversary of Leslie's call-up as a reserve for the England squad in October 1925.

Leslie was the first black player to be called up for England, but his name disappeared from the team sheet because of his skin colour.

His career at Plymouth Argyle FC was distinguished by his remarkable skills as a striker, scoring 137 goals in 401 appearances.

Jack Leslie was given the captain's armband in a game against Norwich

Historic England chief executive Duncan Wilson said: "Jack Leslie's story is one of talent, resilience, and breaking barriers.

"This plaque ensures his legacy is remembered and celebrated."

Reflecting on the honour of being selected for England, Leslie once said: "Everybody in the club knew about it.

"The town was full of it. I was proud, but then I was proud just to be a paid footballer."

The blue plaque is a mark of Leslie's remarkable talent, resilience and contribution to the game, said heritage minister Baroness Twycross

Leslie rarely missed a game for Argyle and was joint top scorer in the 1928-29 season with 22 goals.

On 10 March 1928, he was given the captain's armband in an away match against Norwich.

Leslie's final two seasons as a professional footballer were overshadowed by an injury to his eye which forced him to miss much of the 1933-34 season.

He struggled to regain his old form and played his final match in April 1935.

Leslie scored 137 goals in 401 appearances for Plymouth Argyle

Soon after his retirement from football, Leslie took on the tenancy of the Swan Inn in Truro, Cornwall, which he ran until 1938.

Later that year, Leslie and his family moved to east London.

Leslie worked as a boilermaker, riveter and plater in the East India Docks until his retirement in 1966.

At the suggestion of his daughter Evelyn, Leslie then found a part-time job cleaning boots and sweeping terraces at West Ham United's stadium Upton Park, near his home in East Ham.

In 1978, Leslie was interviewed by the Daily Mail and reflected on his career and the racism he encountered.

In October 1982, he was honoured with a brief ceremony before the match at Upton Park to mark his retirement from the West Ham boot room.

Mr Wilson said: "Leslie's story is not only about football; it is a testament to his resilience in the face of racism.

"While he never played for his country, Leslie's story serves as an inspiration for current generations, to continue to challenge racial boundaries in sport."

'True trailblazer'

Heritage minister Baroness Twycross said: "Jack Leslie's blue plaque celebrates his life and inspirational achievements during his career as a talented footballer.

"This plaque will serve as a reminder of his remarkable talent, resilience, and contribution to the game."

Plymouth City Council's deputy leader, Jemima Laing, said it was an "important moment in celebrating Plymouth's rich local history and the remarkable achievements of Jack Leslie".

"His legacy goes far beyond the football pitch and it's wonderful to see him getting the recognition he was once denied but certainly deserves," she said.

Paul Elliott, co-founder of anti-discrimination group Kick It Out, said Leslie was a "true trailblazer of our game, a player of outstanding talent who broke down barriers and helped shape the history of English football".

"This blue plaque not only honours his achievements on the pitch but also recognises his wider contribution to society and tackling discrimination off it," he said.