English professional footballer Jack Leslie's statue to get unveiled at Plymouth Argyle in England. See details

John Francis Leslie was an English professional footballer, who played as an inside left. Leslie was the only black professional player in England during his time with Plymouth Argyle.

To honour his contribution to the club, Jack Leslie's 12ft (3.7m) statue is being placed in front of Plymouth Argyle's stadium, the team for which the player scored 137 goals throughout the 1920s and 1930s.

Jack Leslie was chosen for the England team in 1925, but subsequently was denied the spot due to his skin colour. To see Jack Leslie return to Plymouth Argyle is just fantastic, emphasised Matt Tiller, who campaigned for the statue.





Leslie had emerged as the only black professional football player in England in 1921 when he relocated from east London to Plymouth. After 400 games for the team, Leslie eventually rose to the position of club captain.

As an Argyle supporter himself, Matt Tiller said that having a statue of a legend outside the club is fantastic, but noted that the statue resembled more than that.

Tiller reportedly noted that Jack Leslie was a real Argyle icon, but the narrative of what happened to him with the England call-up and he being turned down due to the colour of his skin is an important story to be told. He said that the statue, which will be unveiled on Friday, was more than just a bronze lump. Tiller said it is more than just a picture of a football player. According to him, the statue’s purpose is to describe Leslie’s professional history and the challenges he faced.

Members of Leslie's family, senior club leaders and campaign supporters are likely to be present for the unveiling. There will also be a memorial service for the football legend before Saturday's game between Plymouth Argyle and Accrington Stanley.

Related FAQs

Who will be present for the unveiling?
Members of Leslie's family, senior club leaders and campaign supporters will be present for the unveiling.

When will the unveiling happen?
It will take place before Saturday's game.