22nd November 1931 – 13th September 2023

News has reached Kenilworth Road of the recent sad passing, at Keech Hospice, of Les Slatter at the age of 91.

Born in Reading, Les played in a Boys Club international trial at Luton with the Town quick to sign the ball-playing inside forward in February 1949 leading to a sensational Football League debut as a 17 year old, in an unfamiliar left-wing position, in a 0-0 home draw with Grimsby the following September.

“An old head on young shoulders” read the report at the time but Les did not get any further chances at Kenilworth Road and drifted off to Kettering.  After moving to Belfast Crusaders he was invited back to England with Aston Villa keen on his services.

He did not make a first team appearance at Villa Park and finished his League career at York in 1954/55 before returning to live in Dunstable and turning out for Bedford amongst others.

Les, who lived in Dunstable in retirement, was still playing local football until he suffered a stroke at the age of 56.

Our condolences go out to all his family and friends.