Billy Stage

William Stage (22 March 1893 – 12 May 1957) was an English professional association footballer who played as an inside forward. He spent the largest part of his career with Bury where he became team captain and helped them reach the Football League First Division in 1924.

Football career Stage was born in Whitby in North Yorkshire He only made three appearances for 'Boro before World War I caused league football to be suspended.

After the war, he joined Scottish club Hibernian, making his Scottish League debut at the start of the 1919–20 season. He played in every Hibs match during that season, scoring four league goals, plus one in the cup. Despite having been "ever-present", Stage left Hibernian at the end of the season; he then joined St Bernard's,

In June 1928, after making over 200 appearances for Bury, Stage joined First Division rivals, Burnley where he remained for two seasons before dropping into the Second Division when he joined Southampton in July 1930.

Later career After retiring from professional football, Stage returned to Lancashire where he settled in Bury, buying the Stanley Arms pub with his savings.

His daughter, Florence, married the professional cyclist Reg Harris in April 1946.

Honours Bury Football League Second Division runners-up: 1923–24 Lancashire Senior Cup winners: 1926.