Billy Jeffrey

William Jeffrey (born 25 October 1956) is a Scottish former professional footballer, football manager and scout who works for Premier League club Newcastle United.

A midfielder, he spent most of his playing career with Oxford United, making 356 appearances in all competitions for the club. He later managed several clubs in English non-League football, including Stamford, Rugby Town and Banbury United, before moving into scouting.

Playing career

Oxford United

Jeffrey began his professional career with Oxford United. He made his first-team debut against Fulham on 26 January 1973, aged 16 years and 336 days, making him one of the youngest players to represent the club.

Jeffrey went on to spend nine years with Oxford. He made 314 league appearances and scored 24 league goals, while his record in all competitions was 356 appearances and 26 goals. He also served as club captain during his time at the Manor Ground.

Blackpool

Jeffrey joined Blackpool in 1982. He made his league debut for the club on 2 October in a 2–0 home victory over Darlington. He made 14 league appearances during the 1982–83 season and scored once, against Hartlepool United on New Year's Day 1983.

He also appeared in both of Blackpool's FA Cup matches that season, coming on as a substitute against Horwich RMI in the first round before starting against Preston North End in the second round.

He subsequently joined non-League club Kettering Town in 1984 before ending his playing career.

Managerial career

Early career and Stamford

After retiring from professional football, Jeffrey moved into coaching and non-League management. He managed Irthlingborough Diamonds and later worked as assistant manager at Rushden & Diamonds.

In 1998, Jeffrey was appointed manager of Stamford, succeeding Steve Evans, who had left to join Boston United. Jeffrey arrived from Rushden & Diamonds and rebuilt the Stamford squad with younger players. In his first season, the club finished 18th in the Southern League Midland Division.

The following season began with an eleven-match unbeaten run, at the time a club record, and Stamford eventually finished 17th in the Southern League Eastern Division.

Jeffrey's coaching staff at Banbury included Matt Haycocks, who later recalled working under Jeffrey during his time with the club.

Jeffrey left Banbury in 2011.

Scouting career

Newcastle United

In September 2013, Jeffrey joined Premier League club Newcastle United as a scout.