Billy Bates

Billy Bates

Billy was spotted by the Town while playing local football for Eaton Bray. A strong and fast winger he played regularly for the Hatters during the war years as well as turning out once for Watford after they had arrived at Kenilworth Road a man short!

His only League appearance for Luton came in a 0-2 defeat at Millwall in October 1946 and, with his chances of first team football dwindling, he moved to Vicarage Road to pick up from where he left off during the war and made 13 League appearances in 1948/49.

He finished his football career at Dunstable and lived in the town until his death in 1997.