An unofficial plaque commissioned by Forest Gate residents to honour Walter Tull will be restored to the Old Spotted Dog football ground more than six years after it was taken down.

Before he was called up to fight during World War One, Walter Tull (28 April 1888 – 25 March 1918), the first Black officer to serve in the British army, was a professional footballer.

Walter was signed to Clapton, also known as ‘The Tons’, for one season from 1908-09. He played at their Old Spotted Dog Ground in Forest Gate and during this time, Walter, known as Clapton’s catch of the season, helped the club to achieve great success. The club won the FA Amateur Cup, London County Amateur Cup and London Senior Cup. Walter also went on to play for Tottenham Hotspur and Northampton Town. He was tragically killed in action in 1918.

In March 2015 local Forest Gate residents decided to acknowledge Walter’s contribution to the club by commissioning an unofficial blue plaque, which was placed on a wooden frame outside the Old Spotted Dog Ground. Unfortunately the plaque was taken down by Clapton FC chief executive Vince McBean. On the Clapton CFC History blog they explain the reason why Mr McBean removed it:

“The Walter Tull signage placed on the gate at the Old Spotted Dog, was without our approval or any discussion with us. It was therefore removed.”

Nothing was known of the plaque and it was presumed lost for good. That was until it was discovered behind the bar in the Old Spotted Dog Clubhouse by Clapton CFC members in July 2020.

Along with the plaque, Clapton History group also commissioned local painter Ian McNulty and trade union banner maker Ed Hall to make a Walter Tull banner.

Clapton CFC members Eva Georgiou and Tommaso Catalucci with the banner by Ian McNulty

Clapton CFC plan to debut the plaque and banners at the Old Spotted Dog Ground when it is safe to do so.

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