Ahead of Remembrance Day, we are taking a look at former Northampton Town players who served in the military during the First or Second World War…

Legend has it that ‘Fanny’ Walden was so small that he could run through players legs. In fact he was five feet two or as he stated ‘five feet one and a half after a haircut’. He was a revelation when he joined Northampton scoring a hat trick in his second game for the club. Because he was so small no one could shoulder barge him hence his ability to out manoeuvre most defenders.

It was not long before the big boys were watching him and the club were desperate for money. The fans made a collection and raised enough money to cover the transfer fee, the club accepted the cash  – and sold Walden to Tottenham!

He helped the club back into the first division and won two England caps although they were nine years apart. When the Northampton manager’s job became vacant he applied for it  and was keen to come back as player manager however the club only wanted him as a player and he refused to move to the County Ground.

He did eventually come to finish his career off at Northampton but at 39 was a shell of the player he used to be. A keen cricketer he turned his hand to becoming an umpire. a position he held for many years he also took over the Dog and Duck public house in Wellingborough.

Sadly he was a soft touch for hangers on and most of his money disappeared. He ended up as a bar man at the Peacock in the Northampton Market square. When he died it was stated that his Daughter was left just £60, all that was left of his estate.