Born in Glasgow in 1935, Billy made his name at Sheffield United, for whom he appeared in an epic semi-final against Leicester City in the 1960/61 FA Cup. This tie needed two replays before Leicester City emerged as victors.
He moved to Filbert Street in September 1963, soon after the regular outside-right Howard Riley went part-time in order to train as a teacher.
Later that season, he played in both legs of a League Cup last-four victory over West Ham United, although he missed out on the final victory over Stoke City. The following season (1964/65), Billy made 43 league and cup appearances.
In October 1964, he scored Leicester City’s first-ever goal on Match of the Day, in a 3-2 home victory over Nottingham Forest. He also played against Chelsea in the two-legged final of the 1965 League Cup.
Following the arrival of outside-right Jackie Sinclair at Filbert Street in May 1965, Billy signed for Derby County a month later, before moving to Rotherham United briefly in 1967 and then to York City, where he became player/coach and caretaker manager.
After a further coaching post at Sheffield United in 1970, Billy returned to Scotland and played part-time for Hamilton Academicals.
The thoughts of everyone at Leicester City Football Club are with the family and friends of Billy at this sad time.