November 17, 2007

Walter Tull: was born into a poor family and orphaned at an early age. Conditions were tough and opinions prejudiced but by the age of nineteen Walter Tull was playing first team football for Spurs – the first black outfield player in history. Then came the Great War. Tull signed up as a private but within three years he had become the first British-born black officer.

posted by Abiezer to soccer at 02:52 PM - 4 comments

Thanks Abiezer. Good link. I used to be able to get a great magazine on football history down at my local paper shop, but they don't seem to stock it any more. Do you guys in the mother country recommend anything else?

posted by owlhouse at 04:23 PM on November 17, 2007

Great story. Thanks.

posted by Fence at 03:59 AM on November 19, 2007

First black outfield footballer. First black officer. and, "Italy in 1917 he was commended for ‘gallantry and coolness’ at the battle of Piave." Dude's like a real life Denzel Washington character.

posted by r8rh8r27 at 02:29 PM on November 20, 2007

Great link. Thanks, Abiezer.

posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 03:44 PM on November 20, 2007

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