Every Footballer hopes to represent their country in an International game. Jermain Defoe OBE, from Newham, successfully made his debut for England in 2004; however there was another talented Newham Black football player, who also should have played for England and that was Jack Leslie.

John Francis Leslie (17^th August 1901 – 25^th November 1988) was from Canning Town. After Jack left school he became a boiler maker. He was a member of the United Society of Boiler Makers and Iron Ship Builders, East Ham Union branch.

Jack started his professional football career playing for Barking FC before transferring to Plymouth Argyle in 1921, where he was made Captain.

During his time at Plymouth, Jack was informed by his manager Bob Jack that his name had been included in the England squad to play against Ireland. At the time Jack described the moment as knocking him “sideways”.

However Jack was denied the chance to play after FA officials discovered that he was black. His name just simply disappeared from England’s team sheet.

Jack’s Granddaughter Lyn Davis explained in an interview with Nicky Campbell for BBC Radio 5 Live how Jack felt about not playing for England.

“When he was dropped from playing Jack never got bitter about it. He described it as being just one of things in those days.”

It wasn’t until 53 years later that Viv Anderson MBE would become the first Black footballer, to play for England in an International game.

He said: “I wasn’t aware of Jack Leslie’s story when I was picked to play International football for England in 1979. It’s so unfortunate that Jack wasn’t able to represent England during his playing career. I am so pleased people are finally starting to know about his story now. I think the statue is a great idea.”

Jack married Lavinia Emma Garland in 1925 and they had one child, Evelyn who is now 92.

After Jack retired in 1934 he moved to Wakefield Street in East Ham.

He then started to work at West Ham United, where he cleaned the boots for Clyde Best MBE, Bobby Moore OBE, Sir Geoff Hurst MBE and Sir Trevor Brooking CBE.

He later moved to Kent after he turned 80, where he remained until he passed away in 1988.

The Jack Leslie Campaign will be organising the statue with the help and support of Jack’s family, Plymouth Argyle and Plymouth City Council. Read more about the story of this campaign.

There is also a storytelling song which is available to buy.

I would like to hope that Newham Council will also display a tribute to him in some way too.

Jack Leslie deserves to be remembered and his story needs to be told. Hopefully he will now get that recognition.

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