Billy Manuel

Career

Gillingham Manuel began his career in the youth systems at First Division clubs Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, before dropping down to the Third Division to sign for Gillingham on 10 February 1989. He made 97 appearances and scored four goals for the Gills.

Brentford Manuel moved back up to the Third Division to sign for Brentford in a £60,000 deal on 14 June 1991, to bring stability to the left back position. In the newly renamed First Division, Manuel moved into the midfield and impressed enough to be voted the Brentford supporters' Player of the Year at the end of the season, though it would end in disappointment with relegation straight back to the Second Division. He made three appearances before leaving Broadhall Way. In both his spells with Gillingham, Manuel made 118 appearances and scored four goals. He also served as the club's assistant manager. He moved on to play for Horsham, Grays Athletic, Tonbridge Angels, Bromley, Windsor & Eton, Waltham Forest and Metrogas before retiring in 2005.

Personal life After his retirement from football, Manuel spent a period living in the USA, before returning to his native Hackney to run a pub. He later worked in refurbishments.

Career statistics

Honours Brentford Football League Third Division: 1991–92 Gillingham Football League Third Division second-place promotion: 1995–96 Folkestone Invicta Southern League First Division East: 1999–00 Individual Brentford Supporters' Player of the Year: 1992–93