Walter Smith was the first professional black football player in the English top flight . His success , which helped the club win the Amateur Cup , London Senior Cup and London County Amateur Cup in the 1908-1909 season , secured him a dream move to Tottenham Hotspur . He signed for Tottenham Hotspur after glittering amateur season with Clapton . Joined the Footballer 's Batallion at outbreak of World War I and was made an officer . Was shot down just a month before his 30th birthday during fierce fighting in France .
Walter Smith was the first professional black football player in the English top flight . He signed for Tottenham Hotspur after glittering amateur season with Clapton . Joined the Footballer 's Batallion at outbreak of World War I and was made an officer . Was shot down just a month before his 30th birthday during fierce fighting in France .