William Stage was an English professional association footballer who played as an inside forward.
10 Facts About Billy Stage
1.
2.
Billy Stage spent the largest part of his career with Bury where he became team captain and helped them reach the Football League First Division in 1924.
3.
Billy Stage was born in Whitby in North Yorkshire and joined nearby Middlesbrough in April 1913 as an amateur, signing a professional contract in December 1913.
4.
Billy Stage only made three appearances for 'Boro before World War I caused league football to be suspended.
5.
Billy Stage played in every Hibs match during that season, scoring four league goals, plus one in the cup.
6.
In October 1921, Billy Stage returned to England to join Bury, then playing in the Football League Second Division.
7.
In 1924, Billy Stage was part of the Bury team that gained the runners-up position, thus earning promotion to the First Division.
8.
Billy Stage went on to become captain of the club, winning the Lancashire Cup in 1926.
9.
In June 1928, after making over 200 appearances for Bury, Billy Stage joined First Division rivals, Burnley where he remained for two seasons before dropping into the Second Division when he joined Southampton in July 1930.
10.
Billy Stage continued to play football at a non-league level, turning out for Darwen, Rossendale United and Fleetwood.