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Sam Wadsworth was wounded and suffered shell-shock in the trenches as a teenage soldier, then suffered rejection from the football club he loved before going on to captain England.

Born in Darwen, Sam lied about his age when joining up; he was just seventeen at the time. Despite being hit by shrapnel and suffering long-lasting post-traumatic stress symptoms, Sam would survive. However, his beloved older brother, Charles, was killed in action in 1918.

After the war, Sam endured a severe professional blow when he was given a free transfer by Blackburn Rovers - the team he had always supported. In a later interview he said he had lived his life for Rovers. He added, "After I had spent four and half years of my young life in the mud of Belgium and France, not very nice treatment."

Sam's father convinced him not to give up football. He went on to play for Huddersfield Town where his career flourished, winning three league titles. He also captained his country.

Sam Wadsworth went on to manage PSV Eindhoven in Holland. He died in 1961.

Location: AFC Darwen, Anchor Road, Darwen, Blackburn with Darwen BB3 0BB
Image: Sam Wadsworth

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