Foxall Fred Image 2 Southampton 1922

Description

Halesowen, Worcestershire born outside left Fred Foxall had signed for Aston Villa as an amateur in April 1915 but the onset of the First World War put paid to his Villa career. He was spotted by Jimmy McIntyre, Southampton’s trainer, playing for Blackheath Town at Coventry and signed for (then Southern League) Southampton in May 1919, making his Football League debut at Gillingham in August 1920 the following season when Southampton played their inaugural Football League match. Indeed he was ever present that season, however at the end of the season he provoked controversy when he signed a contract with Aston Villa, although he was still registered with Southampton.

He was ordered by The Football Association to re-join Southampton and he had played 28 games the following season which saw him win a Third Division (South) Championship medal, when in March 1922 he and Southampton colleague Joe Barratt were exchanged for Birmingham players Jack Elkes and George Getgood, Foxall having scored 12 goals in 105 appearances for The Saints. Foxall missed only one First Division game for Birmingham in what remained of 1921-22, but illness and injury restricted his first full season with the club to 17 appearances, and he joined Watford in June 1923 for £300 after 4 goals in 28 appearances.

He played a full season in 1923-24 scoring twice in 35 games but broke his leg against Northampton Town in April 1924, and subsequently broke it again a few months later before he had made a first team return, forcing his retirement from playing. He never fully recovered and his death two years later, on 17th June 1926 was brought about by complications arising from the injury.

His older brother Arthur played for Pontypridd, Merthyr and briefly Portsmouth, while a younger brother, Harry, also played for Pontypridd, Merthyr and Portsmouth. Harry was captain of the Portsmouth team promoted to the First Division in 1926-27.