Joseph French was an English professional footballer who played at centre-half for Southampton and New Brompton in the 1900s.
French was given a trial by the Southern League champions Southampton in the summer of 1899 which led to a professional contract.
[1] French spent most of his time at The Dell in the reserves but was a "capable understudy"[1] to England international Arthur Chadwick.
French made his first-team debut playing at centre-half on 31 March 1900 in a 3–2 victory over Bedminster,[2] when Chadwick was one of several players who had been "rested" having played in the FA Cup semi-final against Millwall on the previous Saturday, followed by his England debut against Wales on Monday 26 March and the FA Cup semi-final replay on Wednesday 28 March, when the "Saints" won 3–0 to reach the Cup Final for the second time in three seasons.
[4] In the summer of 1901, French was transferred to fellow Southern League side, New Brompton where he made 17 appearances before returning to Southampton to play for Freemantle.