'He paved the way': New Elland Road mural honours Gerry Francis, Leeds United's original Black player
While Albert Johanneson is widely remembered as a Leeds United trailblazer, South African winger Gerry Francis paid his own way to Elland Road in the late 1950s to become the club's true first Black player - and local artist Robert Endeacott is ensuring his legacy is finally set in stone
A common misconception among football historians and Leeds United supporters is about to be corrected outside Elland Road.
While South African winger Albert Johanneson holds a cherished place in club lore as the first Black player to feature in an FA Cup Final, it was countryman Gerry Francis who paved the way nearly a decade earlier.
Arriving in West Yorkshire in the late 1950s after paying for his own travel from South Africa to earn a trial, Francis became the first Black player in Leeds United’s history.
Now, to coincide with Black History Month, Leeds artist Robert Endeacott has unveiled a brand-new 6ft by 6ft mural banner dedicated to Francis at the Elland Road car wash fan zone, directly opposite Billy's Bar beneath the South Stand.
Setting the Historical Record Straight
"It's one of those myths that most people think Albert Johanneson was Leeds United's first ever Black player, but it was Gerry Francis," explains artist Robert.
"Had it not been for Gerry Francis, there would not have been Albert Johanneson at Leeds United. He certainly helped not only organise Albert coming over to Leeds, but he blazed the trail and paved the way for such new signings."
Francis went on to make just over 50 appearances and score nine goals for Leeds United during a tough era for English football, operating predominantly on the right wing (then known as 'outside right').
"He was a really, very pleasant fella and a good player in times when it was a much tougher, more physical game," says Robert. "Footballing stats aside, he played with a smile on his face.
“99 per cent of people I spoke with at the unveiling said they had no idea Gerry was our first Black player, which is exactly why I painted the mural - to remind people that not everything you read or believe is strictly correct."
The Toronto Connection & Elland Road Fan Zone
The campaign to preserve Francis's legacy has been an international effort.
Following Francis's passing, Robert remained in close contact with his widow, Anna, and family based in Toronto, Canada.
Collaborating alongside co-writer Ian Thornton - who delivered the eulogy at Francis's funeral - and former 1980s Leeds player Aiden Butterworth (who also resides in Toronto), Robert worked to ensure Francis received the permanent recognition he deserved back in West Yorkshire.
The artwork, formatted as a 6ft by 6ft vinyl banner, will hang permanently at Andy Taylor's Elland Road car wash outside Elland Road.
"It's open as a fan zone on matchdays so supporters can come and view the murals in person," Endeacott says. "There's a real family spirit among Leeds fans, and preserving the club's rich tapestry and unsung heroes is something I love doing.
“Murals certainly look a lot better than blank walls!"
What’s Next for the Elland Road Artist?
Robert, whose recent works include a massive 7ft by 9ft Ethan Ampadu banner at the Moot Hall Arms pub in the city centre, shows no signs of slowing down his mission to document Leeds United's history.
When asked who might feature in his next artwork, the artist points to a long list of unheralded club icons.
"John Giles is one of the greatest Leeds players ever and doesn't always get the recognition he deserves, and Lucas Radebe is another lovely bloke," Robert adds. "I've lived the history of this club since around 1970, so I've got an untapped mine of material.
“It’s just a case of finding somewhere to put them all!"