Albert Wilkes

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Albert Wilkes (born Birmingham 10 November 1874, died 12 September 1936) was a football (soccer) player in the early years of professional football in England, who played for Aston Villa from August 1898 to July 1907. Before playing for Villa he played for West Bromwich Albion and Walsall.

“

A player of parts and a worthy follower of past Villa heroes. Scrupulously fair and honest in tackling, a willing worker, and an adept at finding openings for goal in big games. No place in the half-back line comes amiss to him. A quite, unostentatious player of the untiring order, he has done his share in raising the tone of football both on and off the field. 'Straight as a die', he is a general and deserved favourite.

”

The Villa News and Record 1 Sept. 1906

He made five appearances for England, between March 1901 and May 1902, scoring the equalizing goal against Scotland in a 2-2 draw at Villa Park on 3 May 1902 - this was the replay of the match that was abandoned as a result of the first Ibrox disaster on 5 April 1902, in which 25 people died and 517 were injured.