The Story of Football Goalkeeper William “Fat” Fox

memorable

October 29, 1898: William “Fat” Foulke was a star of his time. The goalkeeper was a giant, his goal kicks as big as his appetite, and at one point he had to play in bedsheets because there were no jerseys in his size.

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There is an important basic rule that every football player learns as a teenager. This is highly politically incorrect, but hopefully successful: “Big keeper – flat shot!” William Faulk was in great shape.

So good, his nickname is “Fat Man”. In the team photo, he's a giant who looks like an adult among the kids. He is said to be 1.93 m tall and weigh between 120 and 150 kg – information varies.

Falk tied the waistband of his pants to the height of his teammate's chest.Image: lfhistory

The goalkeeper is a Sheffield United legend. He goaltended 356 career games and became a champion and cup winner. The Englishman even took part in an international match and was amazed by reports that he was as fast as a cat. He crossed the midfield line for the goal kick – an exception at the time. On October 29, 1898, during a match against Liverpool Football Club, he grabbed the foot of his opponent George Allen and lifted him up, leaving him struggling in the air.

Allen had previously collided with the huge goalkeeper in the goal area – which was allowed under the rules at the time. But with Falk, no one would dare to do that. Other goalies have to take away as much as he distributes. Even for a referee, the conduct directed at George Allen was egregious. He took the penalty kick and Liverpool won 2-1.

At the height of newspaper coverage, the legend spread like wildfire. As for this story, it's unclear whether it actually happened. Regardless, “Fat” Fox said after his career ended that, contrary to reports, he and Allen got along well off the court. “What really happened was that when I made the save, George put all his weight on me,” the goalkeeper told the London Evening Standard. “I bent down to protect myself and Alan flew over me and hit me hard.”

Perhaps the fattest goalkeeper in football history also caused a stir in another game. When he held the bar during the game, it snapped under his weight and broke in half. “I don’t care what they call me,” he once said of his nickname, Fatty, adding: “As long as they don’t forget to call me to dinner.”

Cartoon with text: “Sheffield United take a team photo.”Image: Spartacus Education

Another anecdote is the team having breakfast together before a cup match. By the time the first players arrived at the clubhouse, all eleven plates had been cleared: Falk had arrived before them.

Sheets instead of sweatshirts

At Bradford City, his last stop, he had to play one game in bedsheets. His red jersey looked so similar to that of his Accrington opponents that there was no other jersey in his size in the entire stadium.

William Foulke was not only a goalie for 13 years and loved to eat, but he was also an alcoholic. At the age of 42, he died of liver failure.