Billy Garraty

Who was Billy Garraty?

William "Billy" Garraty was a footballer in the early years of professional football in England, who played for Aston Villa from August 1897 to September 1908. Before playing for Villa he played for Aston Shakespeare.

Garraty made his league debut for Villa during the 1897/98 season but made just one other appearance that year and remained a bit part player as Villa won the title the following year. Billy Garraty became a first team regular in the 1899/1900 season as Villa retained their title thanks to his 27 league goals which is still today, the 2nd highest total in one season for the Villains second only to the great Pongo Waring.

Garraty went on to make 224 league appearances for the Villains, scoring 96 league goals, as well as helping his side to FA Cup success in the 1905 FA Cup Final with his Man of the Match display. During his time at Villa Billy was regarded as one of the great utility players of the game despite his ability to score goals. Without doubt Billy would have scored a greater number of goals for Villa had he played as an out and out striker.