Willie Brown

Background

He was born in Belfast, although of Scottish descent, returning to Dundee in 1901.

Career

William ( Bill ) Brown, a full-back, played for a local junior side Dundee North End F.C before joining Welsh side Llanelli for the 1922-1923 season. Bill played 178 league games for Rochdale without finding the Netto and completed a run of 85 successive games toward the end of the 26/27 season. He was part of the Rochdale side which defeated Chesterfield 8-1 during the same campaign, a club record which stands today.

Originally a left back he was switched to the right back position during this period.

However, after a loss to New Brighton the following season he was dropped and subsequently released after 5 years with the club Brown joined Torquay United in 1928.

He started the first game of the 1928-1929 season, a 4-3 defeat at home to Queens Park Rangers. He did however struggle to establish himself and left Plainmoor, after playing 16 times, to join Dundalk after losing his place in defence to Sid Cann.

Following his career Bill returned to Dundee.

Achievements

• He moved to Rochdale in 1923, making his debut in the opening game of 1923-1924, a 2-0 home win against Durham. His last match was a 1-0 home win against Doncaster on 5 May 1928.