Bill Parry

Transfer-listed because Leeds had "so many excellent half-backs", Parry was a target for Third Division Reading, but in June 1939, he left the Football League and signed for Southern League club Chelmsford City. His career was soon interrupted by World War II: he remained with Chelmsford until the end of the season, playing regularly as they won the Eastern Section of the 1939–40 Southern League and drew the play-off with Lovell's Athletic, winners of the Western Section. Parry married Hilda Boosey in May 1940. After his club closed down for the duration, He also played for the team of Christy and Norris, manufacturers of pulverisers and similar machinery, for which he was employed in war work.

By then playing as a full back, Parry captained the team and missed only one match as Chelmsford won the League–League Cup "double" in the first post-war edition of the Southern League. He took his first-team appearance totals to 101, during which he was awarded a benefit. After attending a Football Association coaching course, he began coaching Chelmsford's reserve side. making 75 appearances over the course of two seasons.