Billy Greatorex

A native of Preston, he left Roper’s School at 13 and served his time as a moulder. His early career was interrupted by World War I during which he saw service on the Somme with the Royal Horse Artillery. It was during a protracted strike that a benefit match was held between Blackpool and Preston moulders. It was there Preston North End spotted and signed him, and they gave him his début three months later on 27 December 1919 against Burnley. Reports say he found Eddie Mosscrop somewhat elusive!In his second season, he broke his leg playing against Huddersfield Town and was subsequently transfer-listed at £250. He became the first player for whom Southport paid a transfer fee after gaining election to the Third Division North. He was speedy, clean, and effective in the tackle and smart in recovery; though he made his début for Southport at left-back, the rest of his games were at right-back.After two seasons at Haig Avenue, he was transfer-listed, joining Chesterfield where he had 12 appearances. He had four seasons with Morecambe in the Lancashire Combination. During the war, he was an RAF fitter at Samlesbury. Latterly, he was crippled with arthritis, the result of football injuries, and he used to watch Preston North End from his electrical wheelchair. Though none of his three brothers was a footballer, his sister played for the renowned Dick, Kerr’s Ladies.

Profile reproduced with Permission from:
The Sandgrounders: The Complete League History of Southport F. C., by Michael Braham and Geoff Wilde (Palatine Books, 1995). ISBN 978-1-874181-14-9

Southport Playing Stats

First Team

	Heritage Qualifying				League Only				Cup Only				Other Only				All
Season
1921/1922	35	(0)	35	0	31	(0)	31	0	4	(0)	4	0	0	(0)	0	0	35	(0)	35	0
1922/1923	29	(0)	29	0	27	(0)	27	0	2	(0)	2	0	0	(0)	0	0	29	(0)	29	0
Total	64	(0)	64	0	58	(0)	58	0	6	(0)	6	0	0	(0)	0	0	64	(0)	64	0

Transfers