Spiksley was born in Gainsborough, the son of a boilermaker.[1] His father Edward worked at the Britannia Ironworks in Gainsborough. Edward had been married to Frederick's mother Sarah for five years by the time he was born.[2] Frederick had a younger sister named Florence Maud, who died on 18 December 1875, at the age of nearly five weeks.[3]
At the time of the 1881 census, Spiksley's father was recorded as working as a Publican in Gainsborough. Frederick had an older brother named John Edward, and a younger brother named William.[4]
Playing career
After playing for local teams in Gainsborough, including Gainsborough Trinity (for whom he had scored 131 goals in 126 appearances), he signed for Wednesday in 1891.[1] His later career was marred by injury (including a serious knee injury in 1903) and he played for Leeds City, Southern United and Watford.[1]
After retiring as a player Spiskley joined the Fred Karno Company, and worked in a theatre with Charlie Chaplin.[1] He then became a football coach who worked in Sweden, Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Spain, the United States, Peru and Mexico, as well as in England.[1]
After World War I broke out, he was coaching in Germany and was held in police prison for three days along with his son.[1] His wife managed to secure their release, and the family moved to Switzerland.[1] He then returned to England but was deemed unfit to serve in the War due to his earlier knee injury, which Spiksley exacerbated by dislocating his knee at will to fool the medical examiner.[1] He spent the war working in Sheffield as a munitions inspector,[7] resuming his coaching career after the war ended.[1]
Spiksley was a "slight and silky winger" who was described as the "fastest man in football" by his England international team-mate Billy Bassett.[1]
Personal life
He was married to Ellen with a son, Fred Jr.[1] He and Ellen later divorced in 1928 due to his adultery.[1][3] Spiksley was also a gambler who suffered heavy losses and was made bankrupt in 1909.[1]
Spiksley married Rose Reichel, on 3 June 1929, at Paddington Register Office.[3]
Later life and death
He died from a heart attack at the age of 78 whilst attending Ladies' Day at Goodwood Racecourse in 1948.[1]