Billy Hails

Billy Hails (19 February 1935 – 19 March 2017)[1][2][3][4] was an English professional footballer.

Hails was born in Nettlesworth, County Durham. He joined Peterborough United from Lincoln City in 1955, where he won the Midland League five times and won the Fourth Division in the 1960–61 season. He made 318 appearances and scored 114 goals for Peterborough before leaving for Northampton Town in 1962, with whom he won the Third Division in the 1962–63 season.

After leaving Northampton, Hails had spells with Luton Town, Nuneaton Borough, and Rugby.[5] He returned to Peterborough in the late 1960s as a member of coaching staff, and was an assistant to manager John Barnwell in 1977. Hails took over from Barnwell as manager in 1978, managing nine games until Peter Morris took over in February 1979. Hails joined Watford in 1979 and was part of the backroom staff under Graham Taylor in the 1980s.[6]

Hails died in Watford on 19 March 2017, aged 82, having suffered from Alzheimer's disease in his last years.[7]

References

  1. ^ Obituary
  2. ^ Billy Hails The Posh Supporter's Trust
  3. ^ Adam, Phil (20 March 2017). "Former Player Hails Passes Away". Peterborough United Football Club. Retrieved 28 March 2017.
  4. ^ Guest, Rob (24 March 2017). "Crystal Palace defeat, Deeney's apology and Success' pride - a week in Watford quotes". Football.London. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
  5. ^ Former Posh winger and manager Billy Hails dies aged 82 The Posh Supporter's Trust
  6. ^ Gray, Harry (21 March 2017). "Billy Hails: Former Watford physio who served under Graham Taylor passes away aged 82". Watford Observer. Retrieved 28 March 2017.
  7. ^ Swann, Alan (20 March 2017). "BREAKING NEWS: A star of Peterborough United's 1960-61 Fourth Division title winning side passes away". Peterborough Telegraph. Retrieved 28 March 2017.