Bill Eckersley

William Eckersley (16 July 1925 – 25 October 1982) was an English footballer. He played as a fullback, and after finishing school worked as a lorry driver. He was playing amateur football for High Park in 1947 when he was recommended to Blackburn Rovers by High Parker, Johnny Fairhurst, who signed for Blackburn Rovers himself in 1938.

Although he retained his driving job, he signed as an amateur for Rovers later that month. He initially played in Rovers' reserves where his form was sufficiently good for him to be offered professional terms in March 1948.

As Blackburn continued in their attempts to return to the First Division, Eckersley continued to give good service to both club and country, collecting a total of 17 caps,

Eckersley had the ability to dribble all the way up to the opposition penalty area. With superb ball control, he was able to let a player pass him; he would then extend his left leg behind the opponent and nick the ball away without fouling the opposing player, thus earning him the "telescopic leg" tag.

Blackburn finally returned to the First Division in 1958, enabling Eckersley to play one complete season in the top flight, although his better days were behind him. Although the club reached the final of the FA Cup in 1960, Eckersley was not selected for the final, with Dave Whelan being preferred.

The following season, his career was ended by injury after over 430 first-team appearances for Blackburn, with 21 goals (of which 18 came from the penalty spot).

Later career Following his retirement, a testimonial match was held at Ewood Park on 24 April 1961 which was attended by a crowd of 21,000.