Billy Wilkinson

William "Billy" Wilkinson (24 March 1943 – 18 July 1996) was an English professional footballer who played as an inside forward and centre-back for a number of teams across England, the United States, and Australia. However, he is predominately remembered for his time with Hull City between 1961 and 1972. Despite his good start, Wilkinson suffered a recurring knee injury, which kept him out of the team for six months. He returned in October 1963, and formed a strong partnership with Ray Henderson on the right side of Hull's attack. Wilkinson remained a regular starter until November 1964, when Ken Wagstaff was signed. Wagstaff's arrival saw Wilkinson drop out of the starting line-up for the next two years, which included Hull's 1965–66 title-winning season. Wilkinson only made four appearances that campaign, meaning he had unfortunately not qualified for a winner's medal. Appearances began to dwindle at Hull for Wilkinson, and he eventually left East Yorkshire for Rotherham United in November 1972. He was later granted a testimonial with Hull at the end of the 1972–73 season, in which the Tigers played West Ham United. He later died of a heart attack on 18 July 1996 in Melbourne, aged 53. His ashes were returned to England and scattered across the Boothferry Park pitch.