Berkshire-born Fred Wheeler arrived at The Dell from Lancashire League football and soon progressed from amateur to pro status. But despite competent performance for the Reserves, his first-team career consisted of just three Southern League appearances in December, deputising at inside-left for Harry Brown. Released at the end of the season, Fred worked locally, as an insurance agent, while playing in the Hampshire League. Serving in the 233rd Field Company of the Royal Engineers during the First World War, Sapper Fred Wheeler was killed in action in Italy’s Montello sector and is buried in the British Cemetery at Giaveradel Montello.