About Billy Birrell
Lived 1897 – 1968 (aged 71). Billy Birrell was a British association football player and association football coach.
William Birrell (13 March 1897 – 29 November 1968) was a Scottish professional footballer who played as a forward.
Career Birrell made over 220 appearances as a forward in the Football League for Middlesbrough. He began his career in management while a player at Raith Rovers and after his retirement, he managed Football League clubs Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic and Queens Park Rangers.
On 19 April 1939, he was appointed the new Chelsea manager. During wartime, he led Chelsea to two consecutive Football League War Cup South Final at Wembley, winning the cup in 1945. Birrell's plan was fully implemented after the war, with the sponsorship of The Tudor Rose Boys' Club, allowing them to run four teams in the Harrow and Wembley League.
Personal life Birrell's brother Bob was also a footballer.
14 2
14 2 1921–22
August 1930 May 1935
—
Honours
As a player Middlesbrough
Football League Second Division: 1926–27
As a manager Chelsea
Football League South War Cup: 1943–44, 1944–45
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Important facts
People in Billy Birrell's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
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Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Billy Birrell's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Billy Birrell?
Scottish footballer (1897-1968)
When was Billy Birrell born?
Billy Birrell was born on 13 March 1897 in Scotland.
When did Billy Birrell die?
Billy Birrell died on 29 November 1968.
What was Billy Birrell's occupation?
Billy Birrell was an association football player and association football coach.
What nationality was Billy Birrell?
Billy Birrell was British.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Billy Birrell. https://biography.guide/billy-birrell/
MLA: "Billy Birrell." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/billy-birrell/.
Chicago: "Billy Birrell." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/billy-birrell/.
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