Former-Stoke City player Frank Soo joins hall of fame

Frank Soo played 260 times for Stoke City between 1933 and 1945, say the club

Former Stoke City and England player Frank Soo has been inducted into a Sporting Hall of Fame.

The late footballer played for Stoke City in the 1930s and 40s, and was the first from a Chinese or East Asian background to play for England.

His name has been added to the Stoke-on-Trent Sporting Hall of Fame, to coincide with the 90th anniversary of his debut for City in 1933.

The Frank Soo Foundation said the recognition was "absolutely amazing."

Stoke-on-Trent Lord Mayor Councillor Majid Khan was at the event with Jaqui Soo, Frank Soo’s great niece

The hall of fame features the names of individuals who have shown exceptional levels of commitment, passion and dedication to their sport, said the city council.

Mr Soo's name has been added to a list which includes Sir Stanley Matthews, who he played alongside at Stoke in the 1930s.

He also became the first player of Asian heritage to play for England, in 1942 against Wales.

'Absolutely amazing'

In addition to his appearances for the national side and his long spell at Stoke City, he also played for the likes of Leicester City and Luton Town.

"Having Frank's name engraved on this board is absolutely amazing, stunning," said Maxwell Min, from the foundation.

"The names you can spot on there are legendary - Sir Stanley Matthews, Gordon Banks, Jenny Booth, Eddie Hall - and that's to name a few."

Because it was with City that Mr Soo reached the pinnacle of his career, the hall of fame's location "makes it even more special," he added.

Mr Soo was born in Derbyshire and was raised in Liverpool by a Chinese father and an English mother.

He died in 1991 in Cheadle, Staffordshire, aged 76.

On Saturday, Stoke City will mark the 90th anniversary of his debut for the club with a half-time pitch-side commemoration during their home game with Cardiff City.