Frederick Henry Herbert "Fred" Dawson (December 1858 – 1938) was an English footballer who played as a left-half in the Football League for Aston Villa. Described as a tenacious opponent, Frankie was in the 1886-87 FA Cup-winning side. Fred only played three League games for Aston Villa, all in 1888–89. Frankie played at left-half in the debut League match for Aston Villa. The date was 8 September 1888 and the venue was Dudley Road, the then home of Wolverhampton Wanderers. The match ended 1–1. On 6 October 1888 Fred Dawson played at wing–half against Everton. Dawson was approximately 29 years 296 days old; which made him, on that fifth weekend of League football, Aston Villa's oldest League player. Dawson played two more games, all in 1888. The only time he was on the winning side was on 29 December 1888 when playing his only game at Wellington Road, Birmingham. Aston Villa beat Derby County 4–2. One source described Dawson as a player who played with evident enjoyment, tenacity and constructiveness. Professional baseball In 1890 Dawson played professional baseball for Aston Villa in the National League of Baseball of Great Britain. Honours Club Aston Villa FA Cup: 1887 References 1858 births 1938 deaths English baseball players Footballers from Birmingham, West Midlands English footballers Association football wing halves Aston Unity F.C. players Aston Villa F.C. players English Football League players FA Cup Final players