William 'Fatty' Foulke: The giant who revolutionized goalkeeping

Throughout the history of football, there have been figures who, beyond their talent on the field, left an indelible impact on the sport. William Henry Foulke, better known as "Fatty," was one such figure. With his imposing physique, explosive character, and remarkable skill, this goalkeeper not only stood out in his era but also helped shape some fundamental aspects of the game we know today.

From Dawley to English football stardom

William Henry Foulke was born on April 12, 1874, in Dawley, a small town in central England. From a young age, he displayed outstanding athletic abilities, beginning his career as a striker for Blackwell FC. His powerful shot made him a feared goalscorer, but his destiny lay between the posts.

In 1894, at the age of 20, Foulke signed with Sheffield United. Standing 6'9" and weighing over 330 pounds, he soon earned the nickname "Fatty." But his presence was not only intimidating, but also effective. His debut for the club marked the beginning of a career that would span 13 years and make him a key figure in British football.

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Sheffield United's goalkeeper

Foulke played 11 seasons at Sheffield United, where he achieved the greatest success of his career. In 1898, he was part of the team that won the club's only ever league title. He was also the starting goalkeeper in the 1899 and 1902 FA Cup finals, lifting the trophy on both occasions.

The 1902 final against Southampton was particularly memorable. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, but Foulke was enraged by a controversial goal from his opponent. In an act that became legendary, he stormed out of the dressing room naked in search of the referee, who hid in a cupboard to avoid the giant's wrath. A week later, in the play-off, Sheffield United took the win and their second FA Cup.

Innovator and pioneer in goalkeeping

Beyond his size and personality, Foulke stood out for his talent as a goalkeeper. He was one of the first penalty-saving specialists, a skill he perfected throughout his career. In the 1905-06 season, while playing for Chelsea, he saved 10 penalties, which led the Football Federation to change the rules, limiting goalkeeper movement during penalty kicks.

Foulke also broke new ground by becoming one of the first goalkeepers to score goals. In an 1899 friendly against a combined Dutch and South African team, he left the goal to join the attack and scored two goals. Although his boldness also allowed the opposing team to score, these actions demonstrated a style of play that was far ahead of its time.

The appeal of a colossus in Chelsea

In 1905, Foulke left Sheffield United to join Chelsea, a newly founded club looking to make a name for themselves in Division II. The Londoners paid £50 for his services, making him their goalkeeper and captain.

At Stamford Bridge, his size and personality became a spectacle in themselves. The club capitalized on his imposing figure by placing two children behind the goal at every match, heightening the perception of his gigantic size and intimidating opponents. This gesture, although symbolic, is pointed out by many as the origin of the ball boys.

The end of his career and a premature decline

After a season with Chelsea and a brief spell at Bradford City, Foulke retired from professional football in 1907 at the age of 33. His life after the sport was marked by health problems and financial difficulties.

Foulke died on 1 May 1916, aged 42. Some accounts attribute his death to cirrhosis, while others claim he contracted pneumonia while working at a Blackpool funfair, where he was riding a ride called Beat the Goalie. Whatever the truth, his passing marked the end of an era, but his legacy remains intact.

A legacy of greatness

William “Fatty” Foulke wasn’t just a remarkable footballer; he was a symbol of an era. His size made him a singular figure, but his skill, character, and contributions to the game elevated him to legendary status.

He was an innovator in his position, a pioneer who set standards in goalkeeping, and a figure who helped transform football into a spectacle. From saving penalties to scoring goals, changing rules and creating unforgettable anecdotes, Foulke's story reminds us that football hasn't always been what we know it today.

Today, more than a century after his death, the name William "Fatty" Foulke remains synonymous with greatness. His legacy lives on not only in the chronicles of English football, but also in the very roots of the sport.

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