Billy George (footballer, born 1874)
William George was a footballer who played for Aston Villa from October 1897 to July 1911. His previous clubs were for the now defunct Woolwich Ramblers, Army football for the Royal Artillery and for 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.
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.
He is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers to have played for Aston Villa in its history.
George also played 13 first-class cricket matches as a batsman with Warwickshire. He also played county cricket for Wiltshire and, in 1900, for Shropshire while a club professional player at Shrewsbury.
