Billy Spurdle

Career Spurdle began his career at Oldham Athletic in March 1948, having moved to Oldham from his native Guernsey during World War II to escape Nazi Germany's occupation of the Channel Islands. He scored on his debut in a 3–2 win over Bury at Vale Park, and two weeks later he scored a brace in a 4–2 win over Doncaster Rovers. He turned down the chance to become the club's manager.

Post-retirement After entering the business world in Oldham, Spurdle took his family back to his native Guernsey to start up a tomato-growing business. He remained active in football, coaching the local island team. He died in June 2011, aged 85, leaving behind two sons, John and Roger, and a daughter, Kay.

Career statistics

Honours Manchester City Football League Second Division second-place promotion: 1950–51 FA Cup runner-up: 1954–55

Oldham Athletic Football League Fourth Division second-place promotion: 1962–63