An appeal is being made by PrestonHistSoc for information about the world's first black professional footballer and former Preston North End player Arthur Wharton
has been approached about the possibility of a blue plaque being placed in the city to honour Wharton.
The Society is now trying to find out where Wharton lived while playing as goalkeeper for PNE between 1886 and 1888.He was spotted by Preston North End and joined them as an amateur. He was part of The Invincibles of the 1880s, and helped the team reach the FA Cup semi-finals in 1887. Wharton was also a world record sprinter. On 3 July 1886 at Stamford Bridge, he became the first person to run 100 yards in 10 seconds in authentic championship conditions. He shared the fastest man in the world record, and retained this title while at North End.A number of books have been written about Wharton, and more information can be found on the