Devlin, Billy
Birth Date
23rd January 1891
Birthplace
Hebburn, County Durham
Occupation
Forward
Biographical Text
Billy Devlin played for Exeter City during 1922/23 having signed from Newport County. He also played for Stockport County and Cardiff City before the Great War.
Described as being ‘cool and clever’, Billy started his career with Wallsend and was subsequently on the books at Stockport County in 1911 when he scored twice in 20 league matches. He moved to Cardiff City in 1912 and played against Exeter City in an FA Cup tie at Ninian Park which the Bluebirds won 5-1.
After the First World War he moved to Newport County in November 1919 scoring 19 goals in 56 league appearances before switching to Exeter City in June 1922. Making a goalscoring debut in the 1-3 defeat at Aberdare Athletic on the opening day of the 1922/23 season, Billy made a dozen appearances for the club mainly in the first-half of the only season he spent at St James’ Park.
Described as being ‘cool and clever’, Billy started his career with Wallsend and was subsequently on the books at Stockport County in 1911 when he scored twice in 20 league matches. He moved to Cardiff City in 1912 and played against Exeter City in an FA Cup tie at Ninian Park which the Bluebirds won 5-1.
After the First World War he moved to Newport County in November 1919 scoring 19 goals in 56 league appearances before switching to Exeter City in June 1922. Making a goalscoring debut in the 1-3 defeat at Aberdare Athletic on the opening day of the 1922/23 season, Billy made a dozen appearances for the club mainly in the first-half of the only season he spent at St James’ Park.
Appearances
12
Goals
5
Comments
Brian Douglas
Billy Devlin was my great uncle , the older brother of my maternal grandmother and I can confirm from census data that his birthdate was at Hebburn on the 23rd Jan 1891 (from census data 1891, 1901, 1911 and England and Wales register 1939
Marie Rose Gregg
William was my Great Uncle. My grandfather was his younger brother George.