Welshman Leigh Richmond Roose, known as Dick, was one of the most important figures of Edwardian football.

A larger-than-life character, Dick was one of the first football celebrities. He was a sensation on and off the pitch. He used his impressive physical technique to bully and cajole opposition attackers to control and defend his goal. 

He also used psychology and mind tricks to get one over on his opponents. At one point, he purposely wasted time holding the ball and chatting with the crowd until penalised. Hugely charismatic and skilled, whenever Leigh played, he attracted big crowds.

He was even responsible for a rules change. 

At the time, goalies were able to handle the ball anywhere in their own half. As such, Dick would bounce the ball all the way to the halfway line and throw it deep into the opposition half, causing havoc. 

So effective was this tactic that goalies were banned from handling the ball outside their penalty area after Roose’s retirement in 1912.

Despite his unorthodox approach, Dick played for some of the largest names in British football, including Everton, Stoke, and Celtic, as well as appearing for Wales.

Although technically an amateur, Leigh charged his clubs lavish “sporting expenses” which supported his playboy lifestyle. His income was supplemented by writing regular newspaper columns. 

Dick was well above the age of enlistment when the First World War broke out but nonetheless volunteered for service. Initially, Dick served with the Royal Army Medical Corps in France and Gallipoli before becoming a Private in the Royal Fusiliers in 1916.

Thanks to his goalkeeping experience, Dick was noted as an exceptional grenade thrower. 

He was awarded the Military Medal for bravery on the first time he saw action, with the Royal Fusiliers regimental history stating:

“Private Leigh Roose, who had never visited the trenches before, was in the sap when the flammenwerfer attack began. He managed to get back along the trench and, though nearly choked with fumes with his clothes burnt, refused to go to the dressing station. He continued to throw bombs until his arm gave out, and then, joining the covering party, used his rifle with great effect.”

Dick was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal at some point before his death. He was killed, aged 38, at the Battle of the Somme but the exact circumstances of his death are unknown.

As Dick’s body was never recovered, he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme.