Ask anyone who Cuthbert Ottaway is and the chances are you will be met with a blank expression.
Cuthbert was the first England football captain back in 1872 at the world’s first international football match, England v Scotland.
But for years, Cuthbert lay forgotten in a grave in Paddington Old Cemetery off Willesden Lane, Brent.
Once the plot was more grand with ‘a granite ledger [stone slab] on marble plinths with iron standards and railings’ and inscription.
But after more than 100 years, the memorial was judged to have become unsafe and in the 1970s, it was removed (before Brent Council took the cemetery over).
Today, Tuesday 13 August, a new memorial was unveiled to Cuthbert at the cemetery after Coventry City supporter Paul McKay, a member of England Fans, led a funding raising drive, receiving support from number of people and organisations.
Altogether The Cuthbert Ottaway Memorial Fund raised £2,550 to pay for a fitting memorial
The service to unveil the stone was held a day before England play Scotland once again.
Paul said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to be able to unveil today a fitting memorial for England's first football captain.
“This is the outcome of a journey that started over a year ago and I am very proud that the memorial was unveiled as part of The FA’s 150th anniversary.
“I was horrified when I first learned of the state of Cuthbert Ottaway's neglected grave in Paddington Old Cemetery off Willesden Lane.
“Through the support of Cuthbert's immediate descendants, who live in Canada, and the kind generosity of many individuals and organisations, Cuthbert now has a memorial suitable for a national hero.
“I would like to pay particular thanks to Brooke Hunter and Patricia Reid who are immediate descendants of Cuthbert who have given me their permission and support to erect a memorial. I can not put into words my appreciation for their kindness.”
Along with the FA, the Professional Footballers Association also gave a significant amount.
Alex Horne, FA General Secretary, said: “On behalf of The FA, I am very pleased we have been able to play our part in finally giving Cuthbert Ottaway the recognition he deserves as England’s first captain.
“It is fitting that so many people from across the game have come together to remember his unique achievement of leading England out against Scotland in the first-ever international match played in 1872.
“In particular, I must pay tribute to the efforts of Paul McKay and the England fans involved in restoring Cuthbert’s final resting place and their commitment to ensuring his contribution is never forgotten.
“It is an especially appropriate gesture given we are marking The FA’s 150th anniversary this year and that England will take on Scotland once more at Wembley as part of those celebrations.”
Brent Council was helpful in arranging the transfer of the memorial and burial rights and with arrangements of the service.
Councillor Roxanne Mashari, Brent Council's Lead Member for Environment and Neighbourhood Services, said: “We are delighted to support this project and help ensure such an important figure in English football has a fitting memorial.
“It’s incredible to think that the first England captain lay forgotten for so many years in one of our cemeteries. I’m pleased Brent Council has been able to play a part in preserving this piece of our national sporting history.”
The Old Etonian Association gave its support and in a letter said: "It is marvellous that Cuthbert is still remembered and that there will be something more suitable to remind people of his story.”
"To our ancestor, Cuthbert Ottaway, we respect your well-lived life through this memorial. May God rest your soul. Your family could not be more honoured by your legacy.” Said all your proud descendants Patricia Reid, Brooke Hunter, Scott Hunter and Jennifer Reid and children.