Billy Gripton

Billy Gripton

Cool and commanding centre-half Bill signed on with his local side West Brom before the war and although he held the record for the most war-time appearances for the Baggies he could not hold a regular spot in the side once hostilities finished.

Instead, he moved to Luton for £3,000 in 1948 but could not displace Syd Owen or his deputy Les Hall at the heart of the Hatters defence but had much more luck at his next club, Bournemouth.

Bill joined Worcester City in 1952 and became their groundsman. Motor Neurone disease forced his early retirement and he sadly died in 1980.