Fred Gregory

Frederick James Gregory (21 October 1886 – 24 May 1937) was an English footballer who played for Watford, initially as an inside forward, and latterly as a half back and full back.

Early and personal life

Gregory was born in Pinner in 1886. The second of six sons, Gregory was named after his father, who was a tenant farmer at Pinner Hill Farm, and later the licensee of Oddfellows pub in Pinner. He was educated at Pinner National School, and played his first game of men's football aged 11, for Pinner Football Club's reserves. In his early adult years, his primary sporting focus was cricket; he played as a batsman for Pinner CC and Eastcote CC, before coaching the Benskins Brewery cricket team. Gregory joined Watford as an amateur in 1911, turning professional later the same year. He was subsequently joined by three of his brothers: Val, Allan and Owen. At one stage, all four of them were contracted to the club simultaneously, although only Fred and Val went on to play for the first-team.