Hudson: William Albert (Billy)

1951-1952 (Player Details)

Outside Right

Born: Swansea: 10-03-1925

Debut: Cardiff City (h): 12-09-1951

5’71/2” 10st 9lb (1951)

After coming out of the forces he joined Non-League Pembroke Borough to whom he was recommended by his uncle, Albert Hudson, a former Fulham, Llanelly and Pembroke player. He soon impressed and despite having been rejected by Manchester City after trials, won a Welsh Amateur cap in 1951 and within weeks was a Leeds United player. Hudson made his League debut after only one Central League appearance but generally struggled to get into the Leeds side. He was given his chance by Major Frank Buckley, when Welsh Wizard, Harold Williams, was forced to miss three games. Hudson slotted into the vacant Outside Right spot in a largely experimental outfit which was already lacking several first choice players, the most notable of which was the legendary John Charles. The Leeds line-up for the three games was: Brian Taylor; Jimmy Dunn, Jimmy Milburn; Ron Mollatt, Roy Kirk, Tommy Burden; Billy Hudson, Ray Iggleden, Len Browning, Charlie Hughes and Arthur Tyrer. Hardly a team to lay claim to a Leeds United "Best-Ever"! But they did beat Cardiff City 2-1 on his debut on 12th September 1951 and Sheffield Wednesday 3-2, three days later, both at Elland Road, before going down 0-2 to West Ham United at Upton Park a week later. There was a further game, on 22nd March 1952 in a 0-0 draw at Queens Park Rangers, but with Leeds well-stocked for wingers, there was little future at Elland Road. It came as little surprise when he was allowed to go to Sheffield United in May 1952, where he only played one game, and then joined Mansfield Town in May 1954. He was released by the Stags on a free transfer a year later, after scoring once in eight League appearances.