C. Inglott is regarded as one of the most versatile players in the history of Maltese football. It is said that he could easily play in any position, from right-back to outside-left... a true all-rounder.
Inglott's best role, though, was at right-half where his fine skills with the ball and his indomitable spirit could be best exploited.
It is unfortunate that I have not been able to find out what the 'C' stood for. For this, I seek the help of the readers of this column. It could be that his name was Carmelo but in the circumstances it is best not to speculate.
Inglott began his football career in 1911 with Msida Rangers, making his competitive debut in the 1-0 cup defeat against Valletta United.
Those were the golden days of Maltese football when crowds of 10,000 or more filled the terraces of the Mile End Sports Ground even for friendly matches. Competitive matches were few and far between but the build-up for these games was tremendous.
Inglott stayed with the Rangers for four seasons but when the Msida club was disbanded in 1915, he moved to neighbouring club Sliema Wanderers. He played for the Wanderers up to 1918 but this period was definitely not one of the best in the history of the famous old club. It was an uneventful spell for Inglott although on October 29, 1916, he scored a hat-trick in the 7-0 league victory over Vittoriosa Rovers.
During the First World War, Inglott joined the KOMRM. The famous Maltese regiment had a formidable football team in those days, regularly squaring up to the best Service teams of that era in the popular United Service League.
Inglott was a prominent member of the team and in 1918-19, he won the first of his two league championship medals with 'The Militia'.
In 1919-20, Inglott joined Valletta United but after only one season, he returned to Sliema Wanderers. 1922-23 and 1923-24 were the best two seasons of his career.
Sliema success
Led by the great Ruggieru Friggieri, Iz-Zibga, the Blues had arguably the greatest team in their history in those days.
In 1922-23, Inglott won the League, the Cousis Shield and the Cassar Cup with the Wanderers and the following season, he also formed part of Sliema's quadruple-winning team.
Although by now he was getting on in years and nearing the end of his career, Inglott figured in the Cousis Shield final against Vittoriosa Rovers as well as in the Cassar Cup final against the first Gordon Highlanders.
As the records for this particular period are very sketchy, I could not confirm if Inglott took part in the league and the Empire Sports Ground Cup final against Vittoriosa Rovers.
There is no doubt that Inglott was one of the most prominent players of his generation. Yet, despite his obvious skills and popularity, he only played once for the MFA XI.
His one and only appearance came on April 27, 1918 against the United Service League. Playing in the unusual position of left-back, he helped the team to a very prestigious 1-1 draw against a side comprising British professional footballers.
Inglott retired from the game in 1924-25 after another season with Valletta United. He never abandoned the game, however, and for many years, he acted as referee in the amateur circles. We could therefore consider him as one of the pioneers of the whistle in Malta.