| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | William John Anderson | ||
| Date of birth | 24 January 1947 | ||
| Place of birth | Liverpool, England | ||
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) | ||
| Playing position | Winger | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1962–1964 | Manchester United | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1963–1967 | Manchester United | 9 | (0) |
| 1967–1973 | Aston Villa | 231 | (36) |
| 1973–1977 | Cardiff City | 126 | (12) |
| 1975 | → Portland Timbers (loan) | 17 | (3) |
| 1977–1982 | Portland Timbers | 160 | (13) |
| 1979–1980 | Wichita Wings (indoor) | 18 | (15) |
| 1980–1982 | Portland Timbers (indoor) | 31 | (17) |
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals). |
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William John "Willie" Anderson (born 24 January 1947 in Liverpool) is an English former professional footballer.
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A youth player at Manchester United, Anderson spent four years as understudy to George Best and only appeared in twelve first team games for the club, including two cup semi-finals, before being allowed to join Aston Villa for £20,000 in January 1967. A virtual ever-present for Villa for six years, he helped the club to a promotion victory before signing for Cardiff City.
The Bluebirds had failed in attempt to sign him in 1971 but finally managed to agree a deal for him in February 1973 worth £60,000. Anderson became hugely popular at Ninian Park for his performances on the wing during his four years at the club. In 1977, he decided to leave Cardiff to sign for the Portland Timbers in the North American Soccer League. He remained with the Timbers through the 1982 season, with one indoor season on loan with the Wichita Wings of the Major Indoor Soccer League.