Background
Brown was born in Birmingham, the elder brother of Albert Arthur Brown who would also go on to have a career as a football player with Aston Villa.
Brown was born in Birmingham, the elder brother of Albert Arthur Brown who would also go on to have a career as a football player with Aston Villa.
He was their first international player, making three appearances for England in 1882. Throughout his career he was known as "Digger" Brown. His initial spell at Villa only lasted a few weeks before he left to join Mitchell Street George"son
Two years later, after spells with Birchfield Trinity and Birmingham Excelsior, he re-joined Aston Villa.
His favoured position was at inside right but he could play on either wing. Contemporary reports described him as "sturdy, though small, he could dribble through opponents with astonishing ease and grace."
Brown "seemed set for a lengthy career" but, although he played in the two other 1882 internationals against Wales and Scotland (both of which resulted in defeats) he was never again selected for England.
His international career spanned 23 days, in which he played three matches scoring four goals. By 1886, ill-health had forced Brown to retire and he therefore missed out on the inaugural Football League season.
He continued to keep up an interest in Villa"s affairs until he died on 1 July 1909, aged 50.