Plaque for first black international footballer at Halifax school

A plaque honouring the world’s first black international footballer has been unveiled at his former school in Halifax.

Andrew Watson captained Scotland to a 6-1 win over England on his debut in 1881.

He had attended Crossley Heath School, on Skircoat Moor, before moving to Glasgow aged 18.

Unveiling the plaque on Wednesday, England’s first black international Viv Anderson said he had nothing but “admiration” for Watson.

Watson was a “pioneer” and the first black footballer to play internationally for Scotland, but for more than a century the significance of his achievements went “unrecognised”, according to BBC Sport.

He was born in Guyana in 1856 to a black woman who had been born into slavery and a white Scottish solicitor.

Watson’s family, though, were wealthy and among his ancestors was John Gladstone, one of the largest slave owners in the West Indies and the father of British Prime Minister William Gladstone.

Mr Anderson said: “He must have been very strong-willed, back in the 1800s it must have been quite difficult for him.

“And he got through it and did very well. I’ve got nothing but admiration for him.”

Watson moved to Britain aged about two and was educated at some of the “finest schools in England”, according to BBC Sport.

Llew Walker, who wrote a book about Watson, said he had played rugby at school in Halifax before moving to Scotland to go to university.

“At that time Scotland were constantly beating England at football,” the author said.

“They had developed a whole new style of football.

“Watson learned that, came to England and merged what made Scotland great – and from that the modern game was born.”

It was in Scotland that he would become a leading player and respected talent.

Watson three times won the Scottish FA Cup and played three times internationally for Scotland winning on each occasion.

After a second victory, winning 5-1 at the original Hampden Park, the English Football Association was convinced of a need to change its approach to the game.

Watson moved back to England and was recruited to play for leading amateur team Corinthians, based in London.

He later played for FC Bootle before retiring from the sport.

Watson died in 1921, aged 64.

At the plaque unveiling in Halifax, Dean Jones, head teacher at the school, said pupils had been able to connect to Watson’s story.

“We are a really diverse school, so being able to champion your own heritage, to have a positive influence, to be excellent, students can relate to that.

“And to have a sporting icon associated with the school makes us all really proud.”