A veteran of the Second World War, serving in the Royal Navy, he made over 70 appearances in the Football League for Chester, Cardiff City and Queens Park Rangers.
[3] He was given the nickname "Darkie Best" during his spell at the club, although Best maintained that any reference to his skin colour was affectionate, later stating: "I was never subjected to racial comments by anybody – team-mates, officials or supporters.
[4] He scored 14 goals in 40 league appearances for Chester and, after his first season, attracted attention from a number of clubs, including Blackpool and Blackburn Rovers, but eventually chose a move to Cardiff City for a fee of £7,000 as it was the closest to his hometown.
[6][10] During his time with Cardiff, he was informed by the management team that he was expected to be called up to represent Wales at international level in the absence of the injured Trevor Ford but was overlooked.
Best later stated his belief that he was ignored due to the colour of his skin, commenting "You have to remember that black players were a rarity [...] I'm forced to the conclusion that I was a victim of prejudice.