A Straggling Life: Andrew Watson: The Story of the World's First Black Footballer

The son of a Scottish plantation owner and a free woman of color, Andrew Watson was provided for by his wealthy father. Receiving a first-class education in English public schools, he would later reject university to become a footballer in Glasgow. Schooled by the most advanced practitioners of the game at that time, he became one of the best footballers in Glasgow and captained Scotland's invincible national team. He played for the greatest clubs of the day on both sides of the border and as a 'Scottish professor', brought his talent to England and shared his knowledge with the Southern amateurs, helping the game evolve from a public-school pastime to a national obsession. He played alongside and educated many who would represent the English national team, changing the game forever. But the record of his achievements faded as the game he helped change took over the world, leaving his memory in the shadows. Over 100 years later, he was rediscovered in an old photograph, and after years of research, his achievements were finally recognized.

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A Straggling Life: Andrew Watson: The Story of the World's First Black Footballer

The son of a Scottish plantation owner and a free woman of color, Andrew Watson was provided for by his wealthy father. Receiving a first-class education in English public schools, he would later reject university to become a footballer in Glasgow. Schooled by the most advanced practitioners of the game at that time, he became one of the best footballers in Glasgow and captained Scotland's invincible national team. He played for the greatest clubs of the day on both sides of the border and as a 'Scottish professor', brought his talent to England and shared his knowledge with the Southern amateurs, helping the game evolve from a public-school pastime to a national obsession. He played alongside and educated many who would represent the English national team, changing the game forever. But the record of his achievements faded as the game he helped change took over the world, leaving his memory in the shadows. Over 100 years later, he was rediscovered in an old photograph, and after years of research, his achievements were finally recognized.

27.95 In Stock
A Straggling Life: Andrew Watson: The Story of the World's First Black Footballer

A Straggling Life: Andrew Watson: The Story of the World's First Black Footballer

by Llew Walker
A Straggling Life: Andrew Watson: The Story of the World's First Black Footballer

A Straggling Life: Andrew Watson: The Story of the World's First Black Footballer

by Llew Walker

Hardcover

$27.95 
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Overview

The son of a Scottish plantation owner and a free woman of color, Andrew Watson was provided for by his wealthy father. Receiving a first-class education in English public schools, he would later reject university to become a footballer in Glasgow. Schooled by the most advanced practitioners of the game at that time, he became one of the best footballers in Glasgow and captained Scotland's invincible national team. He played for the greatest clubs of the day on both sides of the border and as a 'Scottish professor', brought his talent to England and shared his knowledge with the Southern amateurs, helping the game evolve from a public-school pastime to a national obsession. He played alongside and educated many who would represent the English national team, changing the game forever. But the record of his achievements faded as the game he helped change took over the world, leaving his memory in the shadows. Over 100 years later, he was rediscovered in an old photograph, and after years of research, his achievements were finally recognized.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781785318207
Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd
Publication date: 09/01/2021
Pages: 256
Product dimensions: 5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Jazz historian and chairman of the youth section of the famous Corinthian Casuals, Llew Watson's research of the extraordinary history of the club and its players was used in the acclaimed documentary Brothers in Football. Llew also rediscovered more than 100 forgotten former Casuals players, who gave their lives in the First World War, losing more players than any other association football club.

Table of Contents

Contents
Acknowledgements 7
Author’s Note 9
Preface 10
A Man of Colour 16
The Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Origins 41
     The Watson Family 42
     Death of Peter Miller Watson 47
     Watson’s Mother 47
     Footnote 53
Education 55
     Heath School 56
     King’s College School 61
     Glasgow University 67
Estate 71
     Watson, Miller and Baird . . . . . . . . 76
     Parkgrove Investment 78
     A Civil Servant . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Footballer 94
     Maxwell Football Club . . . . . . . . . 96
     Parkgrove Football Club 98
     Queen’s Park Football Club 118
     London . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135
     Surrey County . . . . . . . . . . . .145
     The 1884 Corinthian Tour 149
     Return to Glasgow 159
     Immigration . . . . . . . . . . . . .164
     Bootle Football Club 169
     FA Cup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176
     A Player 178
     Coda 182
Mariner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .184
Gentleman 192
     Annie Laurie . . . . . . . . . . . . .196
     Newspapers 197
     Famous Players by ‘Bauldie’ 198
     The Corinthian Football Club 203
     Coda 211
Appendices 214
     Andrew Watson’s Playing Record 216
     Watson Family Tree 216
     Watson Fixtures 217
Bibliography 240
ndex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246
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