Bill played for United between 1894-1904. He was a giant of a man, both in terms of his physique and his character. He joined United a mere slip of a lad, but by the time he moved to Chelsea he weighed over 22st! This did not prevent him from being a superb goalkeeper though.

He won one England cap, and kept a clean sheet. Many felt he should have won many more but the gentlemen of the FA were not keen on his antics. Bill was renowned for his behaviour, some famous incidents included: wading in to fight Sheffield Wednesday fans who shouted abuse at him, picking up strikers by their feet and sticking them head-first in the mud, chasing referees and falling asleep in matches when bored.

It was easy to see why Bill would be fed-up in goal. Remember the United team he played in were the best on earth: one league championship, two league runner-ups, three FA cup finals (won two), and Champions of Great Britain. Being the best team in Britain back then would have meant not only being the best team in Europe, but being the finest team in the world.
Bill was a true Blade, returning to Sheffield after his stay at Chelsea to keep a pub near Bramall Lane. A legend, in his own way a gentleman, and the best goalkeeper to grace the Bramall Lane turf.

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