Andrew Watson, a Straggling Life: The Story of the World’s First Black International Footballer
The son of a Scottish plantation owner and a free woman of colour, 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 recognised.
Editor’s Note
To be wealthy and free enough to receive a first class education in those days as a black man must have been quite unusual. His obvious talent allowed him to reject going to University, which must have been quite a challenge after such a high level of education which was no doubt very costly.
Looking at the racism that still exist in football today makes it almost unimaginable to vision what it was like in those days, playing for the greatest clubs in both England and Scotland. He was such a pioneer for football yet fell away into obscurity with hardly and credit for his contributions to our beautiful international game.
Source: Amazon