Buster Collins

Buster Collins

Bill was invited over from Belfast by Luton Town for a months trial in early 1948 and the 27 year old ended up signing almost immediately and then making his Hatters debut at the end of the 1947/48 season.

Able to play as a right-half as well as in the forward line Bill could not keep up his early promise and was sold to Gillingham in October 1949 in a triple transfer with the Burtenshaw brothers.

After five years at Snowdown Colliery Workers, Bill returned to Priestfield where, over the next 40 years, he ran the reserves and youth team followed by first team trainer and kit manager. Bill, who enjoyed the benefit of two testimonial matches, lived in Gillingham until passing in 2010.