Alfred Bower facts for kids

Alfred George Bower (born November 10, 1895 – died June 30, 1970) was an English footballer. He played as a defender. Alfred was an amateur player, meaning he didn't get paid to play. He played five times for the England national team between 1923 and 1927. He was even captain three times. Alfred was a member of the Corinthian amateur club. He also played nine matches for Chelsea from 1923 to 1926.

Early Life and Football Beginnings

Alfred Bower was born in Bromley, Kent. He went to Charterhouse School. He became very good at football after school. He joined the Old Carthusians team.

During World War I, Alfred served in the Army. He started as a second lieutenant. He was part of the Royal Fusiliers. Later in the war, he became a temporary captain. After the war, he joined the Corinthians club. He became a very reliable defender. He could play on either side of the field.

Playing Football

Playing for Corinthians

Alfred played his first game for Corinthians on January 3, 1920. It was an "A" team match. They won 10–1 against a "Public Schools" team.

In the 1920s and early 1930s, he played in many important matches. This included 16 FA Cup games. In 1924, Corinthians beat Blackburn Rovers 1–0 in the FA Cup. They later lost to West Bromwich Albion. In 1925–26, Corinthians played Manchester City. After a 3–3 draw, they lost the replay. They also won against Walsall and Norwich City in later FA Cup matches.

Alfred sometimes went on foreign tours with Corinthians. His last game for the club was in Switzerland. It was on April 19, 1930. Corinthians won 7–1 against Young Boys, Berne. Between 1920 and 1930, he played 180 games for Corinthians. He never scored a goal.

He finished his football career playing for Casuals. From 1928 to 1933, he represented public schools. He was on the Football Association Council.

Playing for Chelsea

Alfred played three First Division games for Chelsea. This was in 1923–24. He played as a right-back. However, Chelsea was moved down to the Second Division that season.

Two seasons later, he played six more games for Chelsea. This time he played on the left side. Chelsea finished third in the league. They were close to getting promoted back to the top division. Alfred was likely the only player at that time to play top-level football. He was also a member of the London Stock Exchange.

Playing for England

Alfred earned 13 amateur England caps. He also played in five full England matches. It was very rare for an amateur player to play for the full national team back then.

His first full England game was against Northern Ireland. It was on October 20, 1923. England lost 2–1. He played in the next game against Belgium. That match was a 2–2 draw.

A year later, he was called back to the England team. He was made captain for a game against Belgium. England won that match 4–0. Two years later, he was the last amateur player to captain England. This was in a 3–3 draw with Wales on February 12, 1927.

Life After Football

After World War I, Alfred joined the London Stock Exchange. He worked there until 1954. Then, he became a welfare officer in Croydon. He retired in 1960.