Personality Profile

Why Soccer in NZ:	Simple really, I was keen on Rugby but needed to wear glasses and playing Rugby in glasses is very difficult. So I turned to soccer, but that didn't stop me breaking a few pair in my time. Started at the Waverly Soccer club when I was eleven, then to Southland Boys High School and on to Thistle.
Why Thistle:	My father, (also Bill) was a founding member of Thistle so that helped somewhat.
Music:	No preference in particular but I don't go that "bang & crash" heavy metal stuff.
Food:	Very much down to earth here, can't beat a good meat & veg feed.
Best Playing Event:	My first selection for the Thistle seniors. I was so proud to wear the Stewart Tartan for the first time. Similarly I was thrilled with my first Southland Rep selection.
Best Soccer Moment:	National League soccer coming to Invercargill in 1982. Being Thistle of course was the icing on the cake, but it could have been any Invercargill club and it would have got my support. History shows it was very brief, but it was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Most Significant Events: Bill, (left) seen here with All Whites coach John Adshead - 1982	(1)All Whites -1 (Rufer) v League Of Ireland -0 in Invercargill 1982. I was President of the SFA at the time and know the work that went in to make it a success. The weather spoiled the attendance, but it was still a good turnout. The travelling players and officials rated it the best game of the series (2)The gaining of six all weather grounds at Sandy Point was significant as it markedly reduced the frustration of cancellations which was a major issue in the deep south.
Movie:	Braveheart
Charlie Dempsey:	A man of his word who always lead and worked for what's best for NZ soccer. On a personal note he made a committment to me to try and get the League of Ireland game in Invercargill and it happened despite heaps of opposition.
Glasgow Rangers:	On my trip to the UK in the early sixties I worked on a building site in Edinburgh and met up with a "Gers" supporter who talked me into joining the local supporters club. The bus trips to Glasgow and other venues were stuff legends are made of and i've been hooked ever since. It's certainly not a religion thing, my father was a Hearts man and my Grandfather Celtic.
Southland Spirit: Bill (left) enjoying a chat and the Saturday game... as he does... with Tony Joyce.	The concept is a must for citys that lack player numbers. I failed to come to terms with a minority group of local soccer people cheering for the opposition at Thistle National League games. A Southland composite team is a way to get support and minimise that sort of behaviour. The demise of the South Island travelling league was a blow to soccer in the South Island.