14 Facts About Leslie Compton

Leslie Harry Compton was an English sportsman who played football and cricket for Arsenal and Middlesex, respectively.

Leslie Compton gained two England caps late in his football career, and remains the oldest outfield player to debut for England.

Leslie Compton's brother, Denis, was a footballer and cricketer for Arsenal and Middlesex, though Leslie was more successful in football and Denis in cricket.

Leslie Compton would spend his entire senior club career at Arsenal, over a period of 22 years, making him one of the club's longest-ever serving players.

Leslie Compton started out as a right-back, and deputised for Tom Parker in the early 1930s, before George Male was converted to that position and became Parker's long-term replacement.

However the Second World War then intervened; Leslie Compton served in the Army while continuing to play football for Arsenal.

Leslie Compton's form was such that he was selected for England for their match against Wales on 15 November 1950, making him, at 38 years and 64 days, the oldest post-war England debutant and the oldest ever outfield player to debut.

Leslie Compton decided to retire from playing football in the 1952 close season; in total he played 273 matches and scored 6 goals.

Leslie Compton stayed on at Arsenal for another three years as a coach and scout.

Leslie Compton played cricket for Middlesex, often playing as wicket-keeper from 1938 to 1956.

Leslie Compton appeared 272 times, scoring 5,814 runs, and taking 468 catches and 131 stumpings for the county.

Unlike Denis though, Leslie Compton never played Test cricket for England.

Leslie Compton died in Hendon in December 1984, from complications due to diabetes, aged 72; his foot had been amputated two years previously because of this.

Leslie Compton was cremated at the Golders Green Crematorium where his ashes remain.