Ezra Horton

Career Ezra Horton was born in West Bromwich, Staffordshire on 20 August 1861. He attended the Christ Church & Beeches Road Schools and signed for George Salter Works in 1880 before moving on to West Bromwich Albion in the same year. As a footballer, Horton was a very sporting player, a largely defensive right—half who was good at heading, strong with his kicking and fearsome in the tackle, hence his nickname of "Ironsides".

He played his first game for the West Bromwich Albion at St. George's in September 1882. After making guest appearances for Port Vale in September 1884 and Aston Villa in March and April 1885,

Horton, playing as a wing-half, made his League debut on 22 September 1888 at Leamington Road, the then home of Blackburn Rovers. West Bromwich Albion were defeated by the home team 6–2. Ezra Horton appeared in eight of the 22 League matches played by West Bromwich Albion during the 1888–89 season. Ezra also played in the FA Cup semi-final against Preston North End on 16 March 1889, Albion losing 1–0.

In all, he appeared in more than 350 matches for West Bromwich Albion across all competitions – including local cup—ties and friendlies – during his nine-year association with the club. He retired from playing football in June 1891, and in 1895 he became a referee and also a hockey international. Note: Ezra's brother, John Horton, was also a member of Albion's first XI, and they played together on many occasions.

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Honours West Bromwich Albion FA Cup: 1888; runner-up: 1886 & 1887