About William McMillan
Lived 1865 – 1929 (aged 63–64). William McMillan was a British association football player.
William McMillan (16 July 1872 – 1929) was a Scottish professional footballer who played at half-back for Heart of Midlothian and Southampton in the 1890s.
Football career Early career McMillan was born in Glasgow, Scotland but started his professional career in Edinburgh with Heart of Midlothian. During his time at "Hearts", the club were Scottish Football League First Division champions in 1894–95 and won the Scottish Cup in the following year. By the time the Cup Final was played, however, McMillan had moved to southern England to join Southampton of the Southern League.
Southampton McMillan made the move south in March 1896, and made his debut for the "Saints" at the Antelope Ground on 21 March, taking the place of Ernie Taylor in a 2–0 victory over eventual champions, Millwall Athletic. McMillan retained his place at right-half for the following season and along with Robert Buchanan, George Clawley and Jack Farrell was ever-present in both the League and FA Cup. McMillan was nicknamed "Punt" for his expert kicking talent and ability to clear the ball upfield.
For the 1897–98 season, the Saints strengthened their side with several new signings. McMillan lost his regular place in the side to Samuel Meston who had moved forward to accommodate new signing Tom Nicol at right-back. McMillan made only seven appearances, including one at inside-left when he scored twice (against Northfleet on 11 April), before leaving the club in the summer of 1898. before returning to Scotland where he played a few matches for St Mirren and Morton before retiring.
Honours Southampton Southern League championship: 1896–97
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Important facts
People in William McMillan's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped William McMillan's
Frequently asked questions
Who was William McMillan?
Scottish footballer (1872–1929)
When was William McMillan born?
William McMillan was born in 1865 in Glasgow.
When did William McMillan die?
William McMillan died in 1929 in Shotts.
What was William McMillan's occupation?
William McMillan was an association football player.
What nationality was William McMillan?
William McMillan was British.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: William McMillan (footballer, born 1872)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William McMillan. https://biography.guide/william-mcmillan-association-football-player/
MLA: "William McMillan." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-mcmillan-association-football-player/.
Chicago: "William McMillan." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-mcmillan-association-football-player/.
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