Aldridge Albert Image 1 West Bromwich Albion 1888

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Walsall, Staffordshire born full back (he played both sides) Albert Aldridge began his career with Walsall Swifts in around 1881, where he spent six seasons. He played in nine FA Cup ties and scored once, in a third round win over Mitchell St George’s in January 1885. In March 1886 Aldridge moved to West Bromwich Albion where he earned his first cap for England in a British Home Championship 5-1 victory over Ireland at The Ulster Cricket Ground Belfast in April 1888.

He had great success in the FA Cup while at West Bromwich Albion, helping them to the Final in 1887, where they lost 2-0 to local rivals Aston Villa at The Kennington Oval, and the following year returning to The Oval to win the trophy by beating the much fancied Preston North End 2-1 in the Final, with their goals scored by George Woodhall and Jem Bayliss.

Despite his Cup heroics, Aldridge moved back to the newly merged Walsall Town Swifts during that summer. He played in 13 matches in The Combination for the Saddlers in 1888-89 and earned his second and final England cap in a match against Ireland in the British Home Championship at Anfield in March 1889. Aldridge became the second player to play for England while at Walsall after Alf Jones. In 1889 Aldridge joined Football League club Aston Villa, making his Football League debut against Burnley that September, making 17 appearances as Villa finished as League runners-up.

However Aldridge became unwell and died on 22nd June 1891 at his home in Walsall, aged only 27. The Walsall Observer said of him shortly after his death: “Footballers generally will regret to learn of the death of that genuine Walsall footballer, Albert Aldridge, which took place at his residence, The Barrel Inn, Summer Lane, Birmingham, on Monday last, at the early age of 27 years. Aldridge was one of the most gentlemanly, as well as one of the most skilful, exponents of the game that ever toed a ball, and his popularity among players as well as spectators was due to the entire absence of any semblance of rough or unfair tactices in his play.”