Born in Cardiff, south Wales, in 1882, Alfred Frank “Fred” Powell was employed as the first team’s trainer as early as the 1920-21 season. At the time, the side were managed by William Holmes who had been in charge of the team since 1906.
When the 1921 census was taken, Powell was residing at 101 Queen’s Road, Walthamstow, along with his wife Lily (twelve years his junior) and their two daughters; Queenie (aged five) and Vera (aged three). The census records that all three of the females had been born in Merthyr Tydfil, south Wales, and that Powell’s occupation was “athletic trainer”.
In January 1922, William Holmes was admitted to the local Metropolitan Hospital due to ill health and Powell stepped in to manage the team on a temporary basis. He continued in the role following Holmes’ passing on 18th February, until his successor, Peter Proudfoot, was appointed in early April.
Powell remained at the club for several of the following seasons and can be seen in many team photographs of the era, typically sporting his baggy flat cap and bow tie. He also accompanied the team on several foreign tours, including in May 1921 (France) and April to May 1924 (France and Denmark).
Powell appears to have departed the club around 1928.
