Billy Bassett (Welsh footballer)

William Edward George Bassett (8 June 1912 – 1977) was a Welsh professional footballer. During his career, he made over 200 appearances in the Football League in spells with Cardiff City and Crystal Palace.

Billy Bassett
Personal information
Full name William Edward George Bassett[1]
Date of birth (1912-06-08)8 June 1912
Place of birth Brithdir, Caerphilly, Wales
Date of death 1977 (aged 64–65)
Place of death Pwllheli, Caernarvonshire, Wales[2]
Height 6 ft 0+12 in (1.84 m)[3]
Position(s) Defender
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
?–1933 Aberaman Athletic
1933–1934 Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 (0)
1934–1938 Cardiff City 154 (2)
1938–1949 Crystal Palace 70 (0)
1949–? Porthmadog
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Career

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Bassett began his career at Aberaman Athletic before moving on to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1933. He only spent a single season at Wolves, without making a first-team appearance, before returning to Wales and signing for manager Ben Watts-Jones at Cardiff City. He made his debut on the opening day of the 1934–35 season during a 2–1 victory over Charlton Athletic and was a virtual ever-present in his four years, scoring two goals for the Bluebirds, against Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic and Bristol City.

He joined Crystal Palace in 1938 but the outbreak of World War II interrupted his spell at the London side and he served in the Welsh Guards during the hostilities. He finished his league career after three years with the club and took over as player-manager of Porthmadog.[4]

References

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  1. ^ "Billy Bassett". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 1 November 2017.
  2. ^ England & Wales, Civil Registration Death Index, 1916–2007
  3. ^ "Cardiff City. More lively in attack". Sunday Dispatch Football Guide. London. 23 August 1936. p. xi – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ Hayes, Dean (2006). The Who's Who of Cardiff City. Derby: Breedon Books. p. 19. ISBN 1-85983-462-0.