Jack Leslie's Family Presented with Honorary Cap

The family of Jack Leslie, the legendary former Argyle forward and footballing pioneer, were welcomed to Wembley Stadium ahead of Sunday's England international match against Ukraine to be presented with his posthumous honorary England cap.

Jack was a true trailblazer in our game, and an Argyle legend in his own right, scoring 137 times for Argyle before retiring in 1935.

In 1925, Jack earned a deserved call up to represent England. However, he faced adversity because of the colour of his skin, and was deselected and never played for our country.

This should never have happened. 

The FA have been very supportive of the Jack Leslie Campaign, which led to the unveiling of a statue in his honour at Home Park in October of last year.

Following this, the FA confirmed their intention to award Jack with a posthumous honorary cap to recognise his career, his contribution to the game and wider society, and to right this historical wrong.

The FA are also donating to the Jack Leslie Campaign’s ongoing legacy work which will support the roll out of educational materials to schools and organisations so more people can learn about his story.

Ahead of kick-off at the match at Wembley, FA Chair Debbie Hewitt MBE and former England international Viv Anderson welcomed members of Jack’s family onto the pitch, where they were presented with the honorary cap and certificate.

At the game, Argyle were represented by Club Ambassador Ronnie Mauge, and West Ham (where Jack worked in the boot room after retirement) by Carlton Cole.

Jack’s granddaughters Lesley, Lyn and Gill said: "When the FA told us they were giving our grandad this posthumous honour it took our breath away.

"What happened to him nearly a century ago is a burden he carried through his life with the dignity and grace he had as a human being and a footballer. This is our family’s history and now it is part of the nation’s history, a recognition that things can and must change.

"This means so much to the whole family. Granddad never shouted or complained but he knew he should have been capped and now, at last, he is."

Jack Leslie Campaign co-founders - Greg Foxsmith and Matt Tiller - said: "The FA acknowledged and supported the campaign from the start but we always hoped they would take that step further and recognise what happened to Jack. Argyle fans saw their hero treated unjustly when he was denied his chance in 1925. We are delighted he has now been given this honour."