Leslie Compton

Leslie Harry Compton (September 12, 1912 - 27 December 1984) was an English footballer and cricketer.

Related Topics:
September 12 - 1912 - 27 December - 1984 - English - Football - Cricket

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Compton spent his entire career at Arsenal, spanning 23 years, making him one of the club's longest-ever serving players. He joined the club as an amateur in 1930. He made his debut on April 25, 1932, though spent much of the early and mid-1930s as a reserve player. He featured regularly for the Gunners in unofficial matches during the Second World War, once scoring ten times against Leyton Orient - a remarkable feat considering his usual position was as centre half.

Related Topics:
Arsenal - 1930 - April 25 - 1932 - 1930s - Second World War - Leyton Orient - Centre half

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After the war had ended, he became a mainstay in the Arsenal side, winning the First Division title in 1948, and the FA Cup in 1950 (having scored a last-gasp equaliser in the semi-finals against Chelsea). Compton made his debut for England in 1950 against Wales, making him the oldest ever England debutant at 38 years and 64 days, a record that still stands (and is unlikely to be broken).

Related Topics:
First Division - 1948 - FA Cup - Chelsea - England - 1950 - Wales

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Compton retired from playing football in 1953, having played 273 matches and having scored 6 goals. He stayed on at Arsenal for another three years as a coach and scout.

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Compton also played cricket for Middlesex, playing as wicket-keeper from 1938 to 1956. He appeared 272 times, scoring 5,814 runs (an average of 16.75), and taking 468 catches and 131 stumpings.

Related Topics:
Middlesex - Wicket-keeper - 1938 - 1956

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He died in Hendon, aged 72. His younger brother Denis also played for Arsenal and Middlesex.

Related Topics:
Hendon - Denis

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