16 David Wilson

Biography

Attack minded utility forward David “Soldier” Wilson featured in City’s first ever League match in 1905 and played several games during the first half of that first season, scoring five goals.

Born in Hebburn on the banks of the River Tyne to Scottish parents, Wilson grew up north of the border in Musselburgh and signed up for military service at the age of 15, earning his nickname Soldier and serving in Gibraltar, India and South Africa. He played for Raith Rovers while still in the armed forces, then left the Army to join Dundee. He moved on to Hearts prior to his short spell at City.

Wilson moved to Leeds City for a £150 fee in December 1905, and during the remainder of that season scored 13 goals in 15 games for the Elland Road side. He began 1906/07 as Leeds City’s first choice centre forward, but in October 1906 tragedy struck when he collapsed during a first team match and died of heart failure by the time he reached the dressing room. He was only 23 and left behind a widow and one year old child. A month later Leeds and Hull played a benefit match that raised £96 for his family.

Details

Nationality: England
Date/Place of Birth: 23 July 1883, Hebburn
Hull City First Game: 2 September 1905, Barnsley H (Division Two), 22 years, 41 days old
Hull City Final Game: 7 December 1905, Leicester Fosse A (Division Two), 22 years, 137 days old

Clubs

Raith Rovers, Dundee, Heart of Midlothian (1905), Hull City (1905), Leeds City (1905-1906)

Hull City Record

Career: 12 apps, 5 goals

David Wilson
SeasonLGE
App
LGE
Gls
FAC
App
FAC
Gls
FLC
App
FLC
Gls
EUR
App
EUR
Gls
OTH
App
OTH
Gls
1905/0610322------

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