Player #123 for Aston Villa, William George, known as Billy George played as a goalkeeper for the club.

Billy played for Villa between 1897-98 and 1910-11.

Billy was born in Atcham, Shropshire on 29th June 1874 and made his debut for the club as a 23 year old on 9th October 1897.

Villa had signed Billy from the Army for a fee of £50, although controversial, that payment proved inspired as he went on to make a total of 398 appearances in his 14 seasons with the club.

Billy was the nineteenth custodian of the Villa goal in League and Cup football and Villa's first goalkeeping great.

Billy’s tenure in goal for Villa was the club’s longest custodianship of the net to this point and he would also prove to be one of the best 10 'keepers ever to play for Villa.

Such was the clamour for Billy’s signature that Villa’s signing fell foul of FA rules as Billy was still in the army when he was signed.

George Ramsay and Fred Rinder were both censured for their roles in the saga and were suspended for a month by the FA.

The punishment was well worth it however as in his 398 games Billy conceded 488 goals at a ratio of 1.23 goals per game, significantly better than any previous Villa keeper and quite remarkable given the length of time and number of games which his consistency was delivered.

Billy also kept 116 clean sheets across his 14 seasons with Villa.

With Billy in goal Villa won 6 major trophies: 3 League Championships in 1898-99, 1899-00 and 1909-10 as well as 1 FA Cup in 1904-05 and 2 Charity Shields.

His contribution and achievements are almost too many to mention.

The Villa News and Record of 1st September 1906 paid tribute to Billy:

“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.”

Billy made his final appearance for Villa on 15th March 1911 in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal at the Manor Ground, Plumstead.

Billy played his entire Villa career under the George Ramsay led Management Committee.

Billy moved on to Small Heath never to be forgotten.

Billy passed away in Birmingham on 4th December 1933 aged 59.