Billy a tweed-wearing, pipe-smoking Scot, arrived at Stamford Bridge from QPR on 19 April 1939 with ‘a reputation as one of the shrewdest and most capable managers in the game’ (Press Association).

He cut his managerial teeth at Raith Rovers, where he had also previously been a player and then followed that with a period as manager of AFC Bournemouth, before moving to QPR. His playing career also included a 7 season spell at Middlesbrough as well as his time with Raith.

During his time at Chelsea, the club consistently finished in mid-table, narrowly avoiding relegation in 1951 on goal average. Despite less than brilliant league performances, Billy did guide Chelsea to two FA Cup semi-finals, in 1950 and 1952, on both occasions losing out to Arsenal in replays. He retired following the 1952 defeat to be replaced by Ted Drake. He also played a significant part in the development of Chelsea's youth system, which was to pay huge dividends over the next 20 or so years.
In retirement he became secretary of the Hartsbourne Country Club in Hertfordshire.

Billy a tweed-wearing, pipe-smoking Scot, arrived at Stamford Bridge from QPR on 19 April 1939 with ‘a reputation as one of the shrewdest and most capable managers in the game’ (Press Association).

He cut his managerial teeth at Raith Rovers, where he had also previously been a player and then followed that with a period as manager of AFC Bournemouth, before moving to QPR. His playing career also included a 7 season spell at Middlesbrough as well as his time with Raith.

During his time at Chelsea, the club consistently finished in mid-table, narrowly avoiding relegation in 1951 on goal average. Despite less than brilliant league performances, Billy did guide Chelsea to two FA Cup semi-finals, in 1950 and 1952, on both occasions losing out to Arsenal in replays. He retired following the 1952 defeat to be replaced by Ted Drake. He also played a significant part in the development of Chelsea's youth system, which was to pay huge dividends over the next 20 or so years.
In retirement he became secretary of the Hartsbourne Country Club in Hertfordshire.