Bill Perry

William Perry (10 September 1930 – 27 September 2007) was a professional footballer. He spent thirteen seasons at Blackpool from 1949 to 1962. Born in South Africa, he played for the England national team.

Club career

Perry, an outside-left, signed for Blackpool in 1949 after being recommended to the club by scout Billy Butler, who coached him at Johannesburg Rangers.

Perry made his league debut for Blackpool on 18 March 1950, in a win at Manchester United. The following season, his FA Cup semi-final replay goal against Birmingham City helped put Blackpool into the Final against Newcastle United. Organised by the Blackpool Supporters Association, Blackpool fans around the world voted on their all-time heroes. Five players from each decade are inducted; Perry is in the 1950s.

International career Perry made three appearances for England, scoring two goals.

Post-retirement After retiring, Perry ran a couple of businesses in Blackpool, where he lived with his wife, Jean.

In January 2007, he was reunited with the FA Cup after 54 years when the trophy was taken to Bloomfield Road as part of the build-up to the Seasiders' fourth-round tie with Norwich City. Also in attendance was Cyril Robinson, at the time the only other surviving member of the cup-winning team. Perry died eight months later at the age of 77.

Honours Blackpool FA Cup: 1952–53; runner-up: 1950–51