Billy McCullough

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Billy McCullough
Personal information
Full name William James McCullough
Date of birth July 27, 1935
Place of birth    Larne, Northern Ireland
Height 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Playing position Left back
Senior clubs1
Years Club App (Gls)*
?-1958
1958-1966
1966-1967		 Portadown
Arsenal
Millwall
Bedford Town
Cork Celtic
Derry City
253 (4)
019 (0)   
National team
1961-1966 Northern Ireland 010 (0)

1 Senior club appearances and goals
counted for the domestic league only.
* Appearances (Goals)

William James "Billy" McCullough (born July 27, 1935) is a Northern Ireland former footballer.

Born in Larne, McCullough first played for Portadown, before being signed in 1958 by London club Arsenal. A left back, he soon made his debut for the club, against Luton Town on December 26, 1958. He only played ten matches that season, but after Len Wills was moved to right back at the start of 1959-60, McCullough became the Gunners' regular left back.

McCullough became known for his consistency and fitness – he wore the No. 3 shirt for Arsenal for the next six seasons, missing only a handful of matches. Although Arsenal had reached third place in his first season at the club, for the rest of his career in the side the club dwelled in mid-table and never challenged for honours.

He won his first cap for Northern Ireland in a friendly against Italy on April 25, 1961, which Northern Ireland lost 3-2. He went on to appear ten times for his country, scoring no goals, with his final cap coming against England in a 2-0 defeat on October 22, 1966.

By 1965-66, McCullough had competition for his place, in the shape of the young Peter Storey. When Bertie Mee took over at Arsenal at the end of that season, looking to build a young side, he transfer listed the 31-year-old McCullough during the close season. He had played 268 matches in total for the Gunners, scoring 4 goals. He was sold to Millwall in August 1966, and later had spells at Bedford Town, Cork Celtic and Derry City.

[edit] References

  • Harris, Jeff & Hogg, Tony (ed.) (1995). Arsenal Who's Who. Independent UK Sports. ISBN 1-899429-03-4.