Filbert Street’s Fateful Afternoon: The 1895 Test Match That Defined Fortunes
On April 27, 1895, the professional football world turned its gaze to Leicester. Not for a local derby or a cup final, but for a high-stakes “Test Match” at the…
A Century Ago: Rare Aerial Photo Captures Leicester City in Action at Filbert Street
Historic England has made available a fascinating aerial photograph taken in January 1923, offering a unique view of Leicester City’s Filbert Street ground. This image captures the stadium before significant…
Nineteenth Century Football Tactics
The development of Association Football tactics in the nineteenth century was a gradual process, initially characterized by a more rudimentary and less structured approach compared to the sophisticated strategies seen…
What’s in a Name? Unpacking the 19th-Century Origins of Leicestershire Football Clubs
As we look out at the modern football landscape, it’s easy to take club names for granted. But cast your mind back to the 19th century, when the beautiful game…
Hugglescote Robin Hood FC (1877-1900)
Founded in the late 1870s (probably 1877), Hugglescote Robin Hood FC were pioneers of football in Leicestershire, predating the formal establishment of competitive leagues. For their first decade, matches were…
Highbury: The “Home of Football” and its Unexpected Links to Leicester
For 93 years, from 1913 to 2006, Arsenal’s beloved Highbury Stadium stood as a bastion of English football. Its iconic Art Deco stands, the famous Marble Halls, and the beloved…
Fosse Fiasco: Why They Finished With Five Men
Satirday 6 January 1912, wasn’t just another away fixture for Leicester Fosse; it was a day etched into the club’s history as a harrowing, almost unbelievable ordeal. Their visit to…
Johnny Duncan and The Turks Head: A Leicester Legend’s Unconventional Legacy
In the annals of Leicester City Football Club, few names resonate with the same enduring reverence as John “Johnny” Duncan. Dubbed “Tokey” by his peers, Duncan is rightfully described as…
Tommy Clay: Leicester’s First England International
In the rich tapestry of English football, some names shine brighter, while others, though foundational, reside in quieter corners. Thomas “Tommy” Clay is one such figure – the first player…
ACTION MAN FOOTBALLERS
The iconic Action Man Footballer, a beloved part of the “Sportsman” range, didn’t just reflect the UK’s passion for football; it was deeply rooted in Leicestershire’s manufacturing prowess and had…