Horton Jack Image 2 West Bromwich Albion 1894

Description

West Bromwich born full back (he played both sides) Jack Horton began his football career with Oak Villa in 1880, and played for Burslem Port Vale during 1880-81 and for Wednesbury Old Athletic in 1881-82, before joining West Bromwich Albion in November 1882, making his senior debut in an FA Cup tie against Wednesbury Old Athletic in December 1884, turning professional with Albion in September 1885, although he wasn’t included in West Brom’s 1886 or 1887 FA Cup Final teams.

When Albion became a founder member of the Football League, Horton played right back in their inaugural match at Stoke in September 1888. He played 19 of The Baggies’ 22 Football League matches and was part of a defence that achieved three clean sheets whilst restricting the opposition to a single goal on four more occasions. He remained a regular but not automatic first team player but once again missed their appearance in the 1892 FA Cup Final, when Albion beat Aston Villa. He was however included in their 1895 FA Cup Final, when Aston Villa avenged their previous defeat with a 1-0 victory at The Crystal Palace.

He had his most productive season in 1895-96 when he made 33 appearances for Albion, including playing in all four of their Test Matches which saw them retain their First Division status with two-legged victories over Manchester City and Liverpool. However he then became a fringe player for his final two seasons at The Hawthorns. In total he stayed 17 years with West Bromwich Albion before his eventual retirement in May 1899, making 145 appearances for Albion during their League era and 152 senior appearances overall.

His older brother, Ezra Horton, also played for West Bromwich Albion and they appeared together on many occasions.