billygraham11may18

Carlisle United are very sorry to hear that one of our former players – William ‘Billy’ Graham – passed away last week.

Billy made a total of 35 first team appearances for United between 1954 and 1960.

He scored two goals for the club - his first strike coming on his debut in a 3-2 defeat at Darlington on 27 February 1954. 

A local lad, born in 1929, he also played for Workington and Consett and was best known in Carlisle as a PE teacher at Belah School. 

His funeral will take place at 1.30pm on Friday 18 May at Carlisle Crematorium. 

Chairman Andrew Jenkins said: “Billy was a really smart, polite and loyal man who would do anything for this club.

“He was mostly a reserve team player for us, through his six years with the club, but he never once had a bad word to say and he was always smiling and upbeat. 

“He was extremely reliable when he was selected to play and there was an edge to his game that made him a very tough and competitive character to go up against. 

“He kept in touch over the years and his son actually still works for me at Pioneer. He had a lot of time for me, as I did for him, and I always enjoyed hearing from him. 

“It goes without saying that the thoughts of everyone at the club are with his family and friends at this very sad time.”

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