Billy Garton

William Francis Garton (born 15 March 1965 in Salford) is a former footballer who played as a defender for Manchester United. He signed as a trainee in May 1981 and professionally in March 1983. His debut came against Burnley in the League Cup on 26 September 1984. Garton spent five years at United without really becoming a regular, spending time on loan at Birmingham City in 1986. He made his last appearance against Coventry City in December 1988. He started to suffer blinding headaches and was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis, which caused him to retire from the game in May 1990.

He subsequently played for non-league clubs including Salford City, Witton Albion and Hyde United.

He and his wife, dance teacher Francine, have two children called Bobby and Billie and relocated to San Diego in 2000.

External links

* [http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester_united/s/227/227810_gartons_tale_helps_revive_forgotten_era.html Garton's tale helps revive forgotten era]