Billy Tuft

Willam Tuft (1874 – after 1906) was an English professional association football player in the years prior to the First World War. He made 170 appearances in the Football League.

Career Born in Wolverhampton, he began his career with junior-level club Coseley United before joining hometown club Wolverhampton Wanderers in July 1896. In July 1900 he moved to Walsall, where he spent a single season before Sam Hollis signed him in July 1901 to play for Bristol City. He made 137 League appearances for the "Robins" operating at both right and left back. He was ever present 34 appearances in season 1901-02 when City finished 6th out of 18 teams in the Second Division. He missed 4 games in the next three seasons as City finished 4th each season in the Second Division making 33 appearances in 1902–03 at RB, 32 appearances in 1903–04 at left back and 33 appearances in 1904-05 mainly at left back. After 5 appearances at left back he was replaced by Joe Cottle in the Second Division title winning 1905–06 season. Wally Tuft then joined Darlaston and was signed by Bristol City in 1900 but never played a game for the Robins. There is no trace of a Walter Eli Tuft in the 1881 census but William Tuft born 1874 was living with his family at Lichfield Row, Wolverhampton.