Billy Fleming facts for kids

William Thomas Fleming (born December 11, 1871 – died September 17, 1934) was a Scottish footballer. He played as an inside forward, which is a type of attacker. Billy played for several well-known clubs in both Scotland and England during his career. These included Sheffield United, Bury, Dundee, and Tottenham Hotspur.

Billy Fleming's Football Journey

Early Days in Scotland

William Thomas Fleming was born on December 11, 1871, in Renton, Scotland. By January 1891, he was already playing football for Partick Thistle. In the 1891–92 season, which was Partick Thistle's first in the Scottish Football Alliance, Billy scored two goals in five games.

Playing in England: Darlington and Sheffield United

In 1892, Billy Fleming and his teammate Watty Keay moved to England. They both signed with Darlington, a club in the Northern Football League. Billy's skills quickly caught the eye of bigger clubs.

He became the very first player signed by Sheffield United after they were promoted to the Football League First Division. Billy went straight into the team for their first match of the season. Six games into the season, he had already scored four goals, and his team was at the top of the league. He finished that season with seven goals from 21 league matches. Only one other player, Bob Hill, scored more goals for the team that year.

Return to Scotland: Dundee and Abercorn

After his time in England, Billy returned to Scotland. He signed with Dundee, a club in the Division One. He scored three goals in 14 games for Dundee. His team finished eighth out of ten clubs in the league that season.

At the end of the season, Billy moved to Abercorn, a club in the Division Two. He played on the right wing for Abercorn. People who watched him play thought that Dundee had made a mistake by letting him go.

Back to England: Bury and Tottenham Hotspur

In January 1896, Billy Fleming made another move back to England. He signed with Bury. Bury paid a fee to Abercorn and also to Sheffield United, who still held his player registration.

Billy played two games in the First Division for Bury. He scored one goal on his very first game against Sheffield Wednesday. He stayed with Bury into the next season.

In October 1896, it was reported that Billy was back in Scotland. However, he soon joined Tottenham Hotspur in November 1896. Before his first game, newspapers highlighted his experience playing at a high level. He scored two goals in a cup match and then another goal in his Southern Football League debut for Tottenham. However, he was suspended by the club in December, reportedly for not following club rules, and did not play for them again.

Family and Later Life

Billy Fleming's older brother, James, was also a footballer. James was known as Jock Fleming and played League football for Aston Villa and Lincoln City.

Billy Fleming passed away on September 17, 1934, in Glasgow, Scotland. He was 62 years old.

Sources

• Goodwin, Bob (2017). The Spurs Alphabet. Robwin. ISBN 978-0-9540434-2-1.
• Joyce, Michael (2004). Football League Players' Records 1888 to 1939. Nottingham: SoccerData. ISBN 978-1-899468-67-6.
• Tweddle, Frank (2000). The Definitive Darlington F.C.. Nottingham: SoccerData. ISBN 978-1-899468-15-7.