| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | William George | ||
| Date of birth | 29 June 1874 | ||
| Place of birth | Shrewsbury, England | ||
| Date of death | 4 December 1933 (aged 59) | ||
| Place of death | Birmingham, England | ||
| Playing position | Goalkeeper | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1897-1911 | Aston Villa | 356 | (0) |
| National team | |||
| 1902 | England | 3 | (0) |
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals). |
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William (Billy) George was a football player who played for Aston Villa F.C. from October 1897 to July 1911. As of Oct 2008 he is eleventh 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.[1]
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.[2]
He is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers to have played for Aston Villa in its history.
| “ | One of the greatest - if not the greatest - goalkeeper in the history of the club. For many seasons was at the top of his form, after a superb opening display against WBA. Quick on his feet, splendid reach, full of resource, punches the ball with great power, fields well, and a grand kick. A rare good man on a side, and an ornament to the game. The Villa News and Record, 01 September 1906[2] | ” |
George also played 13 first-class cricket matches as a batsman with Warwickshire.[3]