Billy Wilson (footballer, born 1946) explained

Billy Wilson
Fullname:William Wilson
Birth Date:1946 7, df=y
Birth Place:Seaton Delaval, England
Position:Full back
Youthyears1:1961–1963
Youthclubs1:Blackburn Rovers
Years1:1964–1972
Years2:1972–1979
Caps1:247
Caps2:193
Goals1:0
Goals2:5

Billy Wilson (10 July 1946 – 22 February 2018) was an English footballer (soccer player) who played professionally in England for 15 years before retiring to run The Pompey public house just outside Fratton Park. Born in Seaton Delaval[1] on 10 July 1946 Wilson was a tough tackling left back[2] who made nearly 250 league appearances[3] for the Ewood Park club. An ever-present during their 1967-68[4] and 69-70[5] campaigns he was part of a close knit defence.[6]

In January 1972 he moved to Portsmouth F.C for £25,000[7] and promptly scored his first league goal. He was to be a regular for four seasons (albeit a somewhat unconventional one[8]) until he lost his place to Keith Viney during the 1976/77 campaign,[9] after which he was very much more of a squad player.[10] Following his footballing career he became a grandfather of three absolute legends, Oliver, Matthew and Harry Wilson. Oliver has since played in the FA. Youth Cup like Billy and scored on his debut. Since then Oliver has pursued football, recently signing for Banstead Rovers (the biggest club in Surrey)

He died on 22 February 2018 at the age of 71.[11]

Notes and References

  1. http://ds.dial.pipex.com/bob.dunning/blackbur.htm Birthplace Details
  2. http://www.brfcs.co.uk/greatestever/lb_others.php Fan's testimony
  3. "The PFA Premier League and Football League Players' Records 1946-98" Hugman,B: Harpenden, Queen Anne Press, 1998
  4. http://www.brailleit.org.uk/4portsmouth.doc Blackburn career
  5. "Rothmans Football Year Book,1970-71" Peskett,R/Williams,T: Harpenden, QAP,1970
  6. http://www.ozwhitelufc.net.au/25-09-1965%20LUFC%20v%20Blackburn%20Rovers.htm Effective partnership with Newton
  7. "Portsmouth, from Tindall to Ball" Farmery, C: Southend-on-Sea, Desert Island Books, 1999
  8. http://boards.footymad.net/mboard/fmb.php?tno=424&fid=203&sty=2&act=1&mid=2131146925 Unusual pre-match routine
  9. Article in The News Dickinson rings the changes 8 October 1976
  10. "Pompey: The History of Portsmouth Football Club" Cooper,M/ Neasom,M/ Robinson,D: Portsmouth, Milestone Publications, 1984
  11. News: Obituary: Wilson's versatility at left-back, midfield and the bar at Pompey . 27 February 2018 . The News . Portsmouth . Neil . Allen . 17 November 2019 .