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Devon Supporters' Trusts' unveil new Jack Leslie statue at Home Park

Exeter City join Plymouth Argyle and Torquay United in honouring a pioneering black footballer.


On Friday, members of the Exeter City Supporters' Trust were in attendance at Home Park, Plymouth to see the unveiling of the Jack Leslie statue.


Back in June 2020, ECFCST partnered with the Supporters' Trusts from Plymouth Argyle and Torquay United to financially back the placing of the statue, honouring the first black player to had been selected by committee to represent England.


Jack was to be robbed of his moment of glory. Controversy followed and it is widely believed that the only reason that Jack did not pull on the famous white jersey was purely down to the colour of his skin.



It would be 53 years before Viv Anderson would be the first ever black player to represent England in an international match, an honour that was cruelly denied Jack over half a century before.


Trustee Doug Gillard was at the ceremony and was inspired by Leslie's story.


"I was both honoured to be able to see the unveiling of a statue dedicated to a true groundbreaker in the game and proud to be representing our club who's values and ethos set us apart from the mainstream.


"Hearing that Jack would be posthumously awarded an England cap was not only a reward to both the man himself and his family but to all those who campaigned tirelessly to have Jacks story told and remembered."

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