Pelly Fred Image 1 Corinthians 1894

Description

The grandson of John Pelly, who served as governor of the Hudson’s Bay Company from 1822 to 1852 and Governor of the Bank of England from 1841 to 1842, Upminster, London born left back Fred Pelly began his football career with Old Foresters in 1882, joining The Corinthians in 1891. Pelly played for The Corinthians for seven years, before joining The Casuals in 1898, captaining the team. Pelly also played for London FA and Essex FA representative teams, captaining the latter.

Pelly’s first taste of international football came on 19th December 1891, starting in a 6-1 unofficial friendly win against North America at The Oval, playing in a two man defence alongside C.B. Fry. Pelly played in England trials for The Amateurs against The Professionals in 1893,  and won his first official cap for England, playing in a 6-1 win against Ireland at Wellington Road Football Ground, Handsworth on 25th February 1983, playing alongside Hugh Harrison in defence. The following year, Pelly played an international trial for The Whites and made his final two appearances for England in a 5-1 win over Wales at The Racecourse, Ground Wrexham in March and a 2-2 draw with Scotland at Celtic Park, Glasgow in April 1894.

He later served as the President of the Essex Football Association from 1926.