Background
Leighton was born in Nottingham and after playing schoolboy and junior football in the town, he joined Nottingham Forest in 1884.
Leighton was born in Nottingham and after playing schoolboy and junior football in the town, he joined Nottingham Forest in 1884.
He joined Forest prior to the advent of the Football League and was thus restricted to friendly and cup matches. His England call-up came on 13 March 1886 when, along with his Nottingham Forest team-mate Tinsley Lindley, he was one of eight new caps selected to play against Ireland at Ballynafeigh Park, Belfast. England "totally dominated" the match as Benjamin Spilsbury scored four goals in a 6–1 victory.
Leighton also played for the Corinthians between 1885 and 1889, during which time he made seven appearances.
By profession, Leighton was a wholesale stationer and paper merchant in Nottingham. He was an avid supporter of Nottingham Forest and watched most of their matches at the City Ground at all levels.
He collapsed and died at the City Ground on 15 April 1944, aged 79.