Arthur Riley

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Arthur Riley (born 26th December 1903) was a South African who played football for Liverpool.

[edit] Life and playing career

Born in Boksburg, Gauteng, South Africa, Riley played for Boksburg F.C before being signed by Reds manager Matt McQueen in the August of 1925, he made his debut on the 24th October 1925 in a First Division match at White Hart Lane, a game Spurs won 3-1.

Riley, a goalkeeper, was bought as an understudy for the great Elisha Scott and it wasn't until the end of the 1928/29 season that he could really call himself number 1.

Following the mighty Scott was a hard task for Riley but he managed to do so, proving himself to be a worthy successor. During a time that the Anfield club were not challenging for major honours and were even flirting with relegation, It was a lot to do with Riley's performances that ensured Liverpool would keep their top flight status.

Arthur spent 15 years at Liverpool amassing 338 first team appearances, the last of these games came on last day of the 1938/39 season at Old Trafford against Man United in a division 1 fixture, Man Utd spoilt the day, however, by winning 2-0 .