Jaw-dropping European win
Football’s Black Pioneers
PAUL DONOVAN reviews Bill Hern’s and David Gleave’s book chronicling the first players of colour who graced the pitch for the 92 clubs in England
West Brom Three Degrees Statue
Johnny Sexton appointed as an assistant coach
PLYMOUTH Argyle’s Jack Leslie was selected to play for the England football team against Northern Ireland on October 25 1925, then inexplicably dropped — the reason being, he was black.
In the event, Leslie ended up scoring twice for Argyle, who cruised to a 7-2 victory over Bournemouth on the day of the England game. England drew 0-0.
The story of Leslie is one of the many fascinating accounts contained in Football’s Black Pioneers by Bill Hern and David Gleave.
More from this author
PAUL DONOVAN applauds a timely play that explores the resonances of McCarthyite nationalism in today’s US
PAUL DONOVAN is fascinated by an account of the long history of Catholic Church’s involvement in espionage
