William Henry Isaac (born 16 May 1931) is a Welsh former professional footballer who played in the Football League for Northampton Town and had a long association with Hereford United.[1]
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | William Henry Isaac[1] | ||
| Date of birth | 16 May 1931[1] | ||
| Place of birth | Pontypridd, Wales[1] | ||
| Position(s) | Goalkeeper | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1953–1954 | Stoke City | 0 | (0) |
| 1956–1959 | Barry Town | ||
| 1959–1960 | Northampton Town | 8 | (0) |
| 1960–1968 | Hereford United | 258 | (0) |
| 1968–1969 | Worcester City | ||
| 1969 | Kidderminster Harriers | ||
| 1969 | Stourbridge | ||
| Total | 266 | (0) | |
| Managerial career | |||
| 1979 | Hereford United | ||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Playing career
editIsaac was born in Pontypridd and was a keen sportsman in his youth playing Boxing and Rugby before settling on football after he was called up to the Welsh Schools to play England at Fratton Park.[2] He joined Second Division side Stoke City in March 1953 but was soon called up for National service with the Royal Horse Guards and during his days in the army he won representative honours with the Northern Command.[2] He re-joined Stoke on his demob but was unable to break into the first team and he returned to Wales joining Barry Town.[2] His performances at Jenner Park caught the eye of several Football League clubs and in July 1959 he signed for Northampton Town, and although he was unable to force his way into the side on a regular basis featured 8 times for the Cobblers in the 1959–60 season. In the summer of 1960 the then Hereford manager Joe Wade persuaded Isaac to sign for the Bulls and in the next eight years he made a total of 353 appearances for the club, including 258 Southern League games. He spent a season with Worcester City and later played for Kidderminster Harriers and finally Stourbridge.[2]
Coaching career
editIsaac returned to Edgar Street as trainer in July 1970 becoming John Charles' right-hand man, and when Hereford were elected to the Football League two years later he became a full-time member of the staff.[2] He completed over 30 seasons at Edgar Street as player, coach, physiotherapist, trainer and caretaker-manager. He retired in 1992 and was awarded a testimonial against Manchester United.[2]
Career statistics
editSource:[1]
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Stoke City | 1953–54 | Second Division | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Northampton Town | 1959–60 | Fourth Division | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| Career total | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | ||