The Cother brothers

The first black players in Watford FC were the Cother brothers, Edwin and John, who began playing with the team in 1898. Their father was born in India and the two dark skinned brothers became widely known as 'Darkie'.

Edwin, the younger Cother, was frequently in trouble and his career was ruined by criminal convictions. He was described as a 'versatile footballer' and also played cricket. His last days were spent in the Watford and St Albans workhouses and he lies in a pauper's grave.

John was a beefy full-back and a great favourite of the Cassio Road crowd. He was employed by Watford Council and later became a programme seller at Vicarage Road.

Photo: Illustrative image for the 'The Cother brothers' page
Photo: Illustrative image for the 'The Cother brothers' page

Comments about this page

I am the second grand-daughter of John (Darkie)William Cother and
am trying to research my ancestory. Both his sons and daughter
(my mother) have passed away. My grandfather died before I was
born but my older sister remembers him very well.
If anyone has any information please e-mail me.

By christine ashworth
On 20/05/2007

If anyone wishes to get in touch with Christine, please leave a comment on this page and we'll make sure that it's passed on.

By Ian Grant (Webmaster)
On 20/05/2007

Hi Christine
My father is John (Jack) Edward Cother (now aged 77 years) I believe John (Darkie) William Cother was his grandfather. Please feel free to contact me.

[Message from the editors: If you do want to contact each other, drop a line to info@watfordjunction.org.uk and we'll gladly pass on your email addresses. We don't ever publish email addresses on the website.]

By Jacqueline Thompson
On 26/02/2008

Hi i am jade, i am also a cother living in tamworth, i am 12 yars of age and am also trying to trace my family with my nan Joyce Cother who married Len Cother who was originally from eveshem worcestershire. I have two sisters one who is 14 and one 5, leanne cother (the eldest) and Amy-leigh Cother (the youngest) my mom Marie Cother is Married to Mark Cother. If you find any interesting family members please get back to me on my email address (jade.cother@ntlworld.com).

By Jade Cother
On 01/03/2010

Hi I'm Leanne Cother, I know I'm related to you Jade. My dad is Christopher Cother, he has 2 sisters Billy and Mandy and a brother called Ado, and their parents are Jean and David Cother. We all live in Evesham. I could find out granddad's brothers and sisters; if interested, please email me.

By Leanne Cother
On 29/11/2011

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