Billy Liddell

From Townhill boy to Footballing Legend

Billy Liddell, full name William Beveridge Liddell, was a Scottish footballer best known for playing for Liverpool Football Club. He was born on January 10, 1922, in Townhill, a village to the north of Dunfermline. Liddell's early years were marked by a passion for football, and he began playing the sport from a young age.

However, his parents were keen that he should have a good education. Billy was an academic child, and it was generally assumed he would go on to university. Fate, however, had different ideas.  

Liddell's football career started at Kingseat Juveniles and took off when he joined Lochgelly Violet, a local junior team. Liverpool then signed him as an amateur in 1938 on the recommendation of the great Matt Busby.

Despite his headmaster's reservations about crime levels in Liverpool, sixteen-year-old Billy was soon on his way to sign as an apprentice for £1 a week. Nine months later, he signed as a professional for a much-improved wage of £5 a week.

After joining Liverpool, Liddell's career was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the Royal Air Force. Despite the disruption, Liddell continued to play football, representing several clubs, including at least one appearance for his hometown club, Dunfermline Athletic.

Following the war, Liddell returned to Liverpool and became a key player for the club. He was known for his exceptional dribbling, powerful shooting, and versatility, as he could play as a winger, forward, or even a defender when needed. Liddell's loyalty and dedication to Liverpool earned the club a temporary nickname among the fans: " Liddellpool. "

During his time at Liverpool, Liddell made 534 appearances and scored 228 goals, making him one of the most prolific and beloved players in the club's history. He was also known for his sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct on and off the field.

Unfortunately for Liverpool FC, most of Billy’s time at the club was spent in the second division. After winning the First Division title in 1947 and losing the FA Cup Final to Arsenal in 1950, Liverpool went into decline with an ageing squad and never did win promotion during his remaining spell. Despite this, Liddell remained loyal to Liverpool and is still widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the club’s history.    

Liddell retired from professional football in 1961, having spent over two decades at Liverpool. In 2006 his revered status was assured when he came 6^th in a poll of more than 100,000 people in a survey of ‘100 players who shook the Kop’.

Beyond his club career, Liddell also represented the Scottish national team, earning 29 caps and scoring six goals for his country. He also represented Great Britain on a few occasions.

After his football career, Liddell remained a revered figure at Liverpool FC and the world of football. Outside of football, he was a Justice of The Peace, worked at the University of Liverpool, and did charity work for many years.  He passed away on July 3, 2001, leaving a legacy as one of the greatest players in Liverpool's history.

Billy Liddell is also fondly remembered in his home village of Townhill, where he has a memorial garden and a sports complex named after him.

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