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A Long-Overdue Tribute
A Long-Overdue Tribute
It is painfully obvious to most people familiar with Watson's story that a permanent memorial is long overdue. Celebrating the life and football career of one of the most important footballers of his generation, or any generation, is not only appropriate but essential in recognising Watson's contribution to the development and spread of the game in the late-Victorian era.
A GoFundMe page was set up to begin raising funds for a memorial and even though it was live for over two years, it failed to reach any significant sum. What was raised has been donated to the only memorial we have, his grave. The money will be used to mainitan the site for the forceable future.
(English Heritage has agreed to recognise Watson's importance)
In 2014, a statue to Arthur Wharton was erected at the FA's national football centre, home of England teams and home of FA Education.
As much as Wharton is a most worthy recipient of such an honour, Andrew Watson's achievements in Scotland and his influence on English Football are equally, if not more significant and therefore a memorial has to be erected in recognition of this.
Read more about Arthur Wharton here.
In 2009, the Walter Tull Epitaph at Sixfields Stadium, Northampton was erected to recognise the first man of black heritage to become an officer and lead men into battle in the British Army, and one of this country’s first black professional footballers.
Read more out Walter Tull here
JACK LESLIE
Recently, this marvellous statue to Jack Leslie was raised outside Plymouth Arglye's stadium, to recognise the first black footballer to be selected for England. However, he never played, being ignored because of the colour of his skin.
Read more about Jack Leslie here:
It's time Andrew Watson was similarly recognised.
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