West Ham United have celebrated the life and legacy of pioneering Black footballer Jack Leslie, who worked at the Club in the 1960s and 1970s, at a statue unveiling in Plymouth on Friday.
Coinciding with Black History Month, the iconic statue was unveiled at Home Park – the home of Plymouth Argyle – at an event which was attended by Hammers ambassador and former striker Carlton Cole.
As an equity leader on and off the pitch and holder of the Premier League’s Equality Standard Advanced level, West Ham United was proud to donate to the fundraising campaign to create the iconic new statue, which features a panel dedicated to Jack’s connection with West Ham on the plinth.
Jack, who was born in east London in 1901, was a member of the Hammers’ backroom staff under legendary manager Ron Greenwood, working as the Club’s boot-boy for over 15 years at Chadwell Heath and the Boleyn Ground. It was Leslie who was responsible for ensuring the likes of Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters, Billy Bonds, Clyde Best and Trevor Brooking were provided with perfectly-prepared and polished boots for their matches.
What many didn’t know at the time was that Jack had played professionally himself, finding fame as a prolific striker with Plymouth Argyle in the 1920s. His goals earned him a fine reputation in the game and, in 1925, he was informed by the Pilgrims’ long-serving manager, Bob Jack, that he had received a call-up to the England squad, only for his name to be missing when the side was formally announced.
Although it was impossible to prove, the widely held belief is that the reason his call-up was rescinded was due to the fact that he was Black – something that England selectors of the time realised only when going to watch him play.
Almost 100 years on, the 12 foot statue of Jack Leslie was unveiled at Home Park today and to acknowledge the moment, the FA have taken the unprecedented step to award Jack with a posthumous honorary cap. Debbie Hewitt, the FA chair said the decision was taken “to right the historical wrong and to recognise his unique contributions and set of circumstances.”
Co-founders of the Jack Leslie campaign, Greg Foxsmith and Matt Tiller, ultimately raised over £100,000 for the statue, with the unveiling ceremony attended by a number of VIPs and special guests, including West Ham ambassador Cole.
Aligned with West Ham United’s wider commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, ensuring fair treatment and opportunity for all, a maquette of the Jack Leslie statue will return to the London Stadium and take pride of place at the ground as a tribute to Jack’s outstanding legacy.
Carlton Cole said: “It was an honour to attend the unveiling of the Jack Leslie Statue at Home Park and to represent West Ham United in paying tribute.
“For all Black footballers, Jack is a true pioneer. His story is incredible, moving from Barking Town to Plymouth Argyle in an outstanding playing career, before returning to East London and working at West Ham United, a club that has always had diversity embedded throughout - something that makes me extremely proud.
“It is so sad that Jack was denied the chance to play for his country due to the colour of his skin, but today shows how far we have come in sport and society, and Jack would be so proud of this moment.
“The statue is a fitting tribute to a real legend and West Ham United is proud to join forces with Jack’s family, Plymouth Argyle, and the entire footballing community to celebrate this special moment.”
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan said: “I am delighted that we have been able to support and contribute towards this magnificent tribute in honour of Jack Leslie, whose story is such an important and compelling one in the history of our game.
“On behalf of everyone at West Ham United, I would like to thank the team behind the campaign to honour Jack, for allowing us to be a part of this fantastic project and their hard work and commitment to paying tribute to his memory.”
Fellow Joint-Chairman David Gold added: “This serves as a vital reminder of the struggles and discrimination that Black players suffered in years gone by, and how they paved the way for those who followed them to be treated equally and become heroes, judged on their ability and skill rather than the colour of their skin.
“At West Ham United, we are very proud of the diverse and inclusive background of our club – something that stretches back for so many years, and Jack Leslie will forever be remembered as a key figure in our history.”
Jack Leslie Campaign co-founders Matt Tiller and Greg Foxsmith said: “We were pleased to welcome Carlton Cole alongside many West Ham United fans, including members of Jack Leslie’s family, to the unveiling of his statue.
“It’s been remarkable and heartwarming to hear memories from some of those great names like Clyde Best, Harry Redknapp and Sir Trevor Brooking who knew Jack and remember him so fondly.
“To discover how well loved he was and find out that he was truly a humble, modest man has made this campaign all the more worthwhile. We can’t thank the club and the many Irons fans who contributed enough, they are a huge part of the crowd that made the Jack Leslie statue happen.”
Born in Canning Town in August 1901, Jack played for local club Barking Town as a teenager, helping The Blues win the London League Premier Division title in 1920/21.
In 1921, the centre-forward joined Football League Division Three side Plymouth, where he would spend the next 13 seasons, scoring nearly 150 goals in more than 400 senior appearances.
Initially picked in 1925 before it was rescinded, Jack would have been the first Black player to play for England, 53 years before Viv Anderson.
Following his retirement and return to East London, his wife Lavinia urged him to go to West Ham and ask the club if there was any work he could do.
He met manager Ron Greenwood, who immediately recognised and remembered him as a great player. Greenwood offered him a job in the boot room, where Jack enjoyed his role for many years before retirement.
He died in 1988, aged 87.
