Les Gaunt

Leslie Gaunt (1918–1985), born Leslie Goldberg, was an English professional footballer who played as a right back. He was the first Jewish player to represent England schoolboys, appearing in matches against Wales and Scotland. Born in Leeds to Russian Jewish immigrants, Gaunt attended Lovell Road School, where he excelled as a footballer, leading his team to the Leeds Schools Cup final despite missing it due to illness.

Gaunt signed with Leeds United as an amateur in 1934 and turned professional the following year. He made his debut in 1937 but saw limited league appearances before World War II中断了他的职业生涯。During the war, he played for several clubs, including Arsenal and Brentford, while serving in the army in India. After returning to England, he joined Reading in 1947, where he faced antisemitism and later changed his surname to Gaunt in 1948.

His playing career ended in 1950 after a leg injury during a match against Norwich City, leaving him with 71 league appearances for Reading. Post-retirement, Gaunt managed Newbury Town, scouted for Oxford United, and worked administratively for Reading. He also worked in sales for Crimpy Crisps and ran a restaurant. Gaunt died in Perth, Australia, in 1985 at the age of 67.