Frank Becton

Becton joined Preston North End in 1891, becoming part of a side that had dominated the early years of the Football League. Known as the “Invincibles” after winning the league title in its first two seasons, Preston could not maintain that level of success throughout Becton's time at Deepdale. The club finished second for three consecutive seasons between 1891 and 1893 before its league fortunes declined. Becton's most productive campaign came in 1892-93, when he scored 25 goals in league and cup competitions to finish as Preston's leading scorer.

Becton faced Liverpool in the FA Cup on 10 February 1894, scoring in Preston's defeat by the Second Division club. The following year, he made an impressive start to his international career, scoring twice on his England debut in a 9-0 victory over Ireland on 9 March 1895. He subsequently sought a substantial increase in his wages, reportedly claiming that Aston Villa, Manchester City and Bolton Wanderers were interested in signing him. Preston eventually agreed to sell him to Liverpool for £100.

Becton made an immediate impact at Anfield, scoring four goals in five appearances towards the end of the 1894/95 season. His efforts were not enough to prevent Liverpool from being relegated from the First Division. The club responded by assembling a formidable attacking partnership, with Becton, George Allan and Jimmy Ross combining to score 66 goals as Liverpool secured an immediate return to the top flight.

Liverpool's return to the First Division brought difficulties for Becton off the pitch. In October 1896, he failed to report for training, prompting the club to drop him to the reserves. Liverpool considered selling him because of his conduct, and a proposed transfer to Aston Villa came to nothing. The dispute was eventually resolved, however, and Becton returned to the first team in December. He scored six goals in 25 appearances in the 1896/97 season, continuing to contribute after his return to the first team. Becton enjoyed a more productive campaign in 1897/98, scoring 13 goals in 26 appearances. Liverpool finished ninth in the First Division, and he ended the season as the club's joint-leading scorer in all competitions, alongside Harry Storer.

After three seasons at Liverpool, Becton joined Sheffield United in 1898. The reigning league champions were struggling when he arrived, but they won the FA Cup during his time at the club and finished second in the league the following season. Becton returned to Preston North End for the 1900/01 campaign, but the club was unable to recapture its former success and suffered relegation. He subsequently moved to Swindon Town in the Southern League.

Becton helped Swindon retain their place in the competition's First Division, scoring twice in the end-of-season test match during his first campaign. He remained with the club for another season, finishing his Swindon career with 15 goals in 60 appearances. After leaving football, Becton worked in a mill. He died of tuberculosis on 6 November 1909, aged just 36. His brothers, Martin and Tom, also became professional footballers and both represented Preston North End.