Billy Walsh

Early years

Walsh was born in Dublin, but moved to Gorton, Manchester, at the age of seven. There, he attended St Gregory's School and eventually played for the England Schoolboys XI. He later became the subject of a dispute between Manchester United and Manchester City, who both claimed he had signed for them. After being signed by a United youth coach who also coached at his school, Walsh was taken to City by his mother, where he was given a job as an office boy. The Football Association intervened and gave Walsh the choice of clubs; he chose City, but the club was also given a fine of 5 guineas.

Manchester City

Walsh subsequently signed as an amateur with for Manchester City in 1936 and then turned professional in June 1938. The Second World War delayed Walsh's full debut for City, his first appearance coming in a Wartime League game at home to Stoke City on 18 November 1939, although he played out of position at outside left. During the war, he worked as a miner and made 227 wartime league appearances for City, scoring 8 goals. He also played a further 67 Wartime Cup games. His wartime appearances became a City record. As well as playing for City, Walsh also made guest appearances for Oldham Athletic, Rochdale and Manchester United. Walsh made his senior debut for Manchester City in the Third Round of the 1945–46 FA Cup against Barrow on 5 January 1946. The Football League did not resume until August 1946, but Walsh made his league debut on the opening…

When Walsh began his international career in 1944 there were, in effect, two Ireland teams, chosen by two rival associations. Both associations – the Northern Ireland-based IFA and the Republic of Ireland-based FAI – claimed jurisdiction over the whole of Ireland and selected players from the whole island. As a result, several notable Irish players from this era, including Walsh, played for both teams.

IFA XI

Between 1944 and 1948 Walsh played six times for the IFA XI. On 9 September 1944 he played for the IFA XI in an 8–4 defeat against a Combined Services XI at Windsor Park. This team was basically a Great Britain XI and featured, among others, Matt Busby, Stanley Matthews, Tommy Lawton and Stan Mortensen. Walsh helped the IFA XI gain some respectable results, including a 2–0 win against Scotland on 4 October 1947, a 2–2 draw with England at Goodison Park on 5 November 1947 and a 2–0 win against Wales on 10 March 1948. He also played against England in a 6–2 defeat on 9 October 1948. He made his last appearance for the IFA XI on 17 November 1948 in a 3–2 defeat against Scotland.

FAI XI

Between 1946 and 1950 Walsh also made 9 appearances for the FAI XI, making his FAI debut in a 1–0 defeat to England on 30 September 1946 at Dalymount Park. This was the first time the FAI XI had played against England. He was also a member of the FAI XI that defeated England 2–0 at Goodison Park, becoming the first non-British team to beat England at home. Walsh made his…

Player

Manchester City Second Division champions: 1946–47

Manager

Melbourne Hungaria Australian Cup winners: 1967 Victorian Premier League champions: 1967