12 Facts About Walley Barnes

Walley Barnes was a Welsh footballer and broadcaster.

Walley Barnes was born in Brecon to English parents as his father who was a soldier, was at the time stationed there.

Walley Barnes was then spotted and signed by Arsenal in September 1943.

Walley Barnes made his League debut for the Gunners against Preston North End on 9 November 1946.

Walley Barnes became noted for his assured performances at left-back, with his tidy distribution and effortless ability to cut out crosses.

Unbowed, Walley Barnes went on to win 22 caps, and became captain of his country.

Walley Barnes was one of many signatories in a letter to The Times on 17 July 1958 opposing 'the policy of apartheid' in international sport and defending 'the principle of racial equality which is embodied in the Declaration of the Olympic Games'.

Walley Barnes entered the world of broadcasting, joining the BBC.

Walley Barnes presented coverage of FA Cup finals and, with Kenneth Wolstenholme, was one of the commentators for the very first edition of Match of the Day in 1964.

Walley Barnes assisted Wolstenholme in the live commentary to the 1966 World Cup final of England versus Germany to which he provided sporadic expert opinion.

Walley Barnes wrote his autobiography, titled Captain of Wales which was published in 1953.

Walley Barnes continued to serve the BBC in various capacities, until his death in a London hospital, at the age of 55, in 1975.