Billy George

Infobox Football biography
playername = Billy George


fullname = William George
dateofbirth = birth date|1874|6|29|df=y
cityofbirth = Shrewsbury
countryofbirth = England
dateofdeath = death date and age|1933|12|4|1874|6|29|df=y
cityofdeath = Birmingham
countryofdeath = England
height =
position = Goalkeeper
youthyears =
youthclubs =
years = 1897-1911
clubs = Aston Villa
caps(goals) = 356 (0)
nationalyears = 1902
nationalteam = England
nationalcaps(goals) = 003 (0)

William (Billy) George was a football player who played for Aston Villa F.C. from October 1897 to July 1911. As of July 2007 he is tenth on the Aston Villa all time appearances table. His previous clubs were for the now defunct Woolwich Ramblers, Army football for the Royal Artillery and for the now defunct Trowbridge Town when he was on leave. He was signed by Aston Villa from the Army for £50 in 1897. He played in 356 league matches and 40 cup matches.

While at Villa Park George kept goal in three Villa title winning sides in 1899, 1900 and 1910 as well as their 1905 cup winning side. Conversely he was also in goal when Villa suffered a humiliating F A Cup defeat against Southern League Millwall Athletic in 1900. [ [http://www.freewebs.com/captainbeecher/number18.htm Millwall vs Aston Villa match report] ]

His international career was limited and he had 3 caps with the England team in 1902. He was sold to Birmingham City as a player/trainer in 1911.cite web|url=http://web.telia.com/~u27301997/493.html |title=Billy George stats page |publisher=Villa player Database, Jörn Mårtensson |accessdate=2007-07-09]

He is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers to have played for Aston Villa in its history.

Notes