Fred Styles

Fred Styles was born in London and after occupying a student-teacher post at Bromley, went to St. John’s College in York to continue his teacher-training. It was during his time at college that he first took a serious interest in football. After qualifying as a teacher, Styles returned south to take up a post with the London School Board in 1883, but moved to Wellingborough, Northamptonshire in 1885. During his time there he played for Wellingborough Town and from 1887 was their captain, and under his leadership they won the Northants Senior Cup for the first time. Styles finished playing in 1892 and two years later became secretary of the Northamptonshire FA. At the time, football was not very popular in the area, but Styles changed that thanks to his role as headmaster of All Saints Elementary School where he helped develop some good quality footballers.

Styles served on the FA Council from 1896-1909, and was the first representative from Northamptonshire to sit on the council. He was also a leading referee in the area and was on the Football Association list of referees. He ran the line in several FA Cup semi-finals, in first division matches, and was a linesman in the historic FA Cup Final of 1903 when Bury beat Derby County by a record 6-0. He also ran the line at the 1908 Olympic final between Great Britain and Denmark. Styles was also a good cricketer, being useful with both bat and ball.