Bill Stoddart

William Michael Stoddart (29 October 1907 – 17 February 1972) was an English professional footballer who played at centre-half for various clubs in the 1920s and 1930s.

Football career Stoddart was born in Leadgate, County Durham and started his football career with local club, West Stanley.

In June 1928, he moved to the south coast to join Second Division Southampton at the same time as goalkeeper Tommy Allen and outside-right Bill Henderson moved to Highfield Road. At The Dell, Stoddart was seen as cover for George Harkus and he never established himself as a first-team player. He spent most of his time in the reserves, for whom he made over 100 appearances in three years.

His only lengthy run in the side came in December 1929, when, after a run of four matches without a win, manager Arthur Chadwick made seven changes for the match at Reading. This match was drawn 1–1, but Stoddart retained his place for a further five matches before Harkus was recalled.

Stoddart's final appearances came in April 1930 and, after spending another year at the Saints without a further first-team appearance, he was placed on the transfer list in May 1931, moving to Bristol Rovers for a fee of £200 two months later.

Stoddart spent two seasons at Eastville in which he made 40 appearances in the Third Division South before winding up his Football League career with a year at Accrington Stanley.