Background
Horton was born in West Bromwich, and after playing for Christ Church and George Salter"s Works, joined West Bromwich Albion as an amateur in August 1882.
Horton was born in West Bromwich, and after playing for Christ Church and George Salter"s Works, joined West Bromwich Albion as an amateur in August 1882.
After making guest appearances for Portuguese Vale in September 1884 and Aston Villa in March and April 1885, he turned professional with Albion in August 1885. He played 47 league games for the club, including eight games in 1888-1889, the inaugural season of the Football League. However he was most notable for his exploits in the FA Cup, as he picked up two runners-up medals and one winners medal.
In the 1886 final, he was unable to prevent a 2–0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers in a replay at the Racecourse Ground in Derby.
He was again on the losing side in the 1887 final, as Aston Villa claimed a 2–0 victory at The Oval. lieutenant proved to be third time lucky for Horton, as he helped the "Throstles" to a 2–1 victory over Preston North End at The Oval in the 1888 final.
He retired from playing football in June 1891, and in 1895 he became a referee and also a hockey international. with West Bromwich Albion.