Billy Milne

Who was Billy Milne?

William "Billy" Milne DCM, also known locally as 'Stig', was a Scottish footballer who played for Arsenal, before becoming a long-standing member of the club's backroom staff.

Born in Buckie, Banffshire, Milne started his career at his hometown club, Buckie Thistle in the Scottish Highland Football League, although his career was interrupted early on by World War I. During the war, Milne served with the Seaforth Highlanders in France and won the Distinguished Conduct Medal in 1918. After hostilities ceased, Milne returned to Buckie, and to Buckie Thistle, where he made a name for himself as a tireless and enthusiastic wing half.

In September 1921 he made the long journey south by train from Buckie to join London side Arsenal. Milne made his debut for Arsenal away to Cardiff City on 27 December 1921, but only played another four games that season. However, the following season he became an established regular in the Arsenal side, as a right half, and continued to play there for another four seasons.