Billy Balmer

Who was Billy Balmer?

Billy Balmer was an English football player who played for Everton, as well as the English national side. His brother Robert played alongside him for Everton, and his nephew was Jack Balmer.

Balmer was a tough-tackling full-back. He joined Everton in 1897 from South Shore and went on to play 331 games, scoring one goal. His brother Bob - four years his junior - also played for Everton. His nephew, Jack, attained fame with local rivals Liverpool.

His only England appearance came in a 1-1 draw with Ireland in 1905.

In 1912, 35 year old Balmer joined Chester in the Lancashire Combination, but he left after just two games as he was deemed to be too slow and past his best.