Bill Kitchener

William Harry Kitchener (born 3 November 1946) is an English former professional footballer who played in the Football League for West Ham United, Torquay United and AFC Bournemouth.[2][3][4]

Bill Kitchener
Personal information
Full name William Harry Kitchener[1]
Date of birth (1946-11-03) 3 November 1946
Place of birth Arlesey, England
Position(s) Defender
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1963–1967 West Ham United 11 (0)
1966–1967 → Torquay United (loan) 25 (3)
1967–1971 Torquay United 142 (5)
1971–1972 AFC Bournemouth 36 (2)
Cambridge City
Wealdstone
Christchurch
New Milton
Total 214 (10)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Career

Born in Arlesey,[1] Kitchener began his career as an apprentice with West Ham United after leaving school. He turned professional in November 1963. In September 1966 he joined Torquay United on loan, making his debut on 17 September 1966 in a 5–2 home win against Walsall. He played 25 games before returning to Upton Park. He finally made his Hammers' debut in a First Division away game against Nottingham Forest on 18 March 1967. He won an extended run in the first team, making 11 appearances for West Ham, before leaving in December 1967 to become Torquay's record signing.[5] He immediately established himself in the side, taking Bobby Baxter's place at left-back, though also played in the centre of defence when required. By the end of his second spell with Torquay, he had played a further 142 games, scoring five goals.

In July 1971, he moved to AFC Bournemouth, managed by his former West Ham and Torquay teammate John Bond in July 1971, but stayed only one season with the Cherries before leaving league football, joining Cambridge City. He subsequently played for Wealdstone, Christchurch and New Milton.

Outside of football he had joined the Devon & Cornwall Police Force whilst with Torquay, and was later stationed at Burley in the New Forest for many years.

References
  1. "Bill Kitchener". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
  2. "West Ham United : 1946/47 – 2008/09". UK A–Z Transfers. Neil Brown. Archived from the original on 12 January 2010. Retrieved 24 January 2010.
  3. "Bournemouth : 1946/47 – 2008/09". UK A–Z Transfers. Neil Brown. Archived from the original on 22 January 2010. Retrieved 24 January 2010.
  4. "Bill Kitchener". West Ham Stats. Retrieved 24 January 2010.
  5. Hogg & McDonald (1995). West Ham United's Who's Who, Centenary Edition 1895-1995. Independent UK Sports Publications. p. 103. ISBN 1-899429-01-8.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.