Billy Bassett (Welsh footballer) explained

Billy Bassett
Fullname:William Edward George Bassett
Birth Date:8 June 1912
Birth Place:Brithdir, Caerphilly, Wales
Death Place:Pwllheli, Caernarvonshire, Wales[1]
Height:6 ft 0+1/2 in[2]
Position:Defender
Years1:?–1933
Years2:1933–1934
Years3:1934–1938
Years4:1938–1949
Years5:1949–?
Clubs1:Aberaman Athletic
Clubs2:Wolverhampton Wanderers
Clubs3:Cardiff City
Clubs4:Crystal Palace
Clubs5:Porthmadog
Caps2:0
Caps3:154
Caps4:70
Goals2:0
Goals3:2
Goals4:0

William Edward George Bassett (8 June 1912 – 1977) was a Welsh professional footballer. During his career, he made over 200 appearances in the Football League in spells with Cardiff City and Crystal Palace.

Career

Bassett began his career at Aberaman Athletic before moving on to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1933. He only spent a single season at Wolves, without making a first-team appearance, before returning to Wales and signing for manager Ben Watts-Jones at Cardiff City. He made his debut on the opening day of the 1934–35 season during a 2–1 victory over Charlton Athletic and was a virtual ever-present in his four years, scoring two goals for the Bluebirds, against Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic and Bristol City.

He joined Crystal Palace in 1938 but the outbreak of World War II interrupted his spell at the London side and he served in the Welsh Guards during the hostilities. He finished his league career after three years with the club and took over as player-manager of Porthmadog.[3]

Notes and References

  1. England & Wales, Civil Registration Death Index, 1916–2007
  2. News: Cardiff City. More lively in attack . Sunday Dispatch Football Guide . London . 23 August 1936 . xi . Newspapers.com.
  3. Book: Hayes, Dean . The Who's Who of Cardiff City . Breedon Books . 2006 . 19 . Derby . 1-85983-462-0.