Joseph Wilcox, who had played in the Football League’s First Division with both Aston Villa and Birmingham, initially proved to be one of the better buys made by Southampton’s new manager, George Swift. As one after another of Swift’s big-name signings flopped,

Joseph became a fixture on the Saints’ right wing, where his speed and crossing ability were complemented by what the Echo described as a capacity to “manoeuvre astutely” past his marker.

After a poor run of results in the New Year, however, the Saints’ Southern League forward line was revamped in March, with right-half, Sid Kimpton being switched to outside-right. Joseph was recalled for the last game but then left for Birmingham League football, with Wellington and Stourbridge, in turn. He moved to Toronto, but came home to serve in the First World War. Stationed at Hilsea with the Royal Field Artillery, he turned out a few times for the Saints, in 1915-16, in competitive and friendly fixtures. Posted to France in 1916 with the Royal Gun Artillery, he was demobbed in September 1919 and returned to Canada.