Gil Reece

Gilbert Ivor '"Gil" Reece (2 July 1942 – 20 December 2003) was a Welsh international footballer. Described by former Wales manager Mike Smith as "a very quick player, sharp and tough",

Club career Reece was born in Cardiff and represented Wales at schoolboy level before being offered an apprenticeship at his hometown club Cardiff City. He made his way into the reserve side before spending a period on loan at Ton Pentre and was released by the club during the 1962–63 season and joined Pembroke Borough. During his time in Pembroke, Reece worked as a plumber whilst playing part-time. In 1963, Newport County manager Billy Lucas offered Reece another chance at professional football and, after just one season Somerton Park, his impressive displays convinced Sheffield United to pay £10,000 in April 1965 to sign him. Soon after he was called up to win his first cap for Wales against England.

He settled quickly with the Blades, helping them to a ninth-place finish in the First Division during his first season but suffered a badly broken leg the following year which kept him out of the side for nearly a year. Despite this he went on to appear over 200 times for the club, establishing himself as a fan favourite with the Bramall Lane crowd. He returned to his hometown club Cardiff City in September 1972 alongside teammate Dave Powell in an exchange deal for Alan Warboys. The club suffered relegation during the 1974–75 season, with Reece finishing as the club's top scorer with 8 goals, but managed to win promotion on the first time of asking the following year. Reece left the club at the end of the season and joined Swansea City where he spent a short time before retiring.

After 1976 Reece played for non-League Barry Town.

After football On retiring from his playing career he ran a family heating business before becoming a hotelier in Cardiff, running the Clare Court hotel in Grangetown. In April 2000, Reece was forced to have his right leg amputated after continually developing cysts behind his knee. After retiring from professional football he returned to baseball playing well into his 40s. He played for the St Francis, Grange Catholics and Grange Albion baseball clubs.

Honours Cardiff City Welsh Cup winner: 1972–73, 1973–74