Wattie White

Wattie White was an inside forward and left half who played for Fulham from 1910 until 1923. He won two caps for Scotland prior to his move to Craven Cottage. He is often erroneously named as the oldest player to have played for the club, but that title actually goes to Harry Lowe. Short in stature, he was a skilful ball-player who excelled in his link-up play and would far often than not create opportunities for his colleagues rather than score himself. Had it not been for the First World War, he would have made many more appearances for the club.

Before Fulham
Walter was born in Hurlford, Ayrshire in Scotland in 1882, playing for local amateur sides Hurlford Britannia, Portland Thistle and Hurlford Thistle from the age of 17 until he turned 20.

Then, in the summer of 1902, his big move came as he signed for Bolton Wanderers, who were then playing in the First Division. However, in his first season with them, they finished bottom of the League and were relegated to the Second Division. The following season was an impressive one as, despite finishing a respectable 7th place in the League, Bolton and Wattie managed to reach the FA Cup Final in 1904, although lost out to Manchester City 1-0.

Wattie would play a big part in their return to the top flight the following season as he helped Bolton to a 2nd place finish in 1904-05. He remained at the club until 1908 when they were once again relegated from the First Division, after making over 200 appearances for them in all competitions, scoring close to 100 goals. It was in his last year with Bolton that he won two caps for Scotland, both against England in British Home Championship matches.

Not content on playing in the second tier, he spent two seasons with Everton after signing for them in 1908. In his first season with the club, he narrowly missed out on a First Division championship medal as they finished 2nd to the champions Newcastle United.

Fulham (1910-1923)
He returned to the Second Division at the age of 28 when he signed for Fulham in October 1910. In his first season at Craven Cottage, Wattie was the first choice Inside right, taking over from Bob Dalrymple. He only missed two League matches in his first two seasons with Fulham, as helped the team to mid-table positions all the way up to the outbreak of the First World War.

Wattie served as a Gunner for the British Army in the Royal Garrison Artillery but would still find time to play Wartime football throughout 1915 and 1916 with Fulham, as he made a total of 47 appearances, scoring 24 goals.

Once the war was over, he was in his late thirties and saw much less playing time, especially after 1920. He scored his first and only hat-trick for Fulham on 18 September 1919 during an 8-0 victory over Bromley in the London Challenge Cup. He did not feature in the first team at all in the 1921-22 season, but made a single appearance at the age of 40, when Fulham beat Bury 1-0 away in February 1923. This would prove to be his final appearance for the club as he retired from playing the following summer.

A benefit match was later organised for him against Queens Park Rangers in January 1926.

After Fulham
Walter lived at 40 Danehurst Street in Fulham until his death on 8 July 1950 at the age of 68.