Billy Wedlock

Who was Billy Wedlock?

William John "Billy" Wedlock, also known as "Fatty" or the "India Rubber Man", was a footballer who played for Bristol City in 1900–01 and from 1905 until his retirement in 1921. He was a centre-half whose his short and stout stature belied his natural talent. He won 26 England caps between 1907 and 1914, his only rival for the centre-half position being Charlie Roberts of Manchester United, his opposite number in the 1909 FA Cup Final. The East End at Ashton Gate Stadium is named the Wedlock Stand in his honour. Wedlock's pub opposite the ground was where he lived and worked for 43 years. Folk singer Fred Wedlock was Billy's grandson.