Billy Reid disappointed a whole host of top Scottish and English clubs by signing for Motherwell in January 1955. A schoolboy and youth international he arrived at Fir Park straight from Wishaw High School. He perhaps didn’t need to be convinced to join his hometown club as his uncle former ‘Well wing-half Tommy McKenzie was still employed with the club as part of the ground staff. Billy made his debut only a matter of months after he joined when he featured in a match versus Dundee in March at the age of 16.

A memorable moment occurred against Rangers when he went toe to toe with Rangers ‘hard-man’ Bobby Shearer, battling for a 50-50 ball both players never gave an inch but it was the Gers’ man who would come off second best, as the ball burst due to the hard impact, Shearer would experience some flying that he hadn’t experienced before as he went straight up into the air and over Billy, fans of a certain vintage are more than happy to regale some of the younger fans about this incident should his name ever be brought up.

In his earlier days he showed real promise but his playing career was eventually eclipsed by the likes of Pat Quinn, Willie Hunter and his brother Sammy Reid, who joined the club not so long after Billy. The brothers often attended Fir Park together as fans, they were brought up in nearby Craigneuk. Between 1957 to 1961 they played in the same Motherwell squad during the Ancell babe era.

Billy joined local rivals Airdrieonians in October 1961 for £4,500. He would serve the Diamonds with such distinction for the next decade initially serving as player before moving into a coaching role.

Reid was no stranger to Fir Park when he retired as he was a regular attender at games, Billy was also a member of the Motherwell Former Players Club.

Name:	William Reid
Height:	5′ 6″
Weight:	11st
Date of Birth:	31st March 1938
Place of Birth:	Motherwell
Position:	Inside Forward
Nationality:	Scottish

Football Career:

Motherwell	1955	1961
Airdrieonians	1961	1968

Well Career:

	Apps	Goals
League:	56	9
Scottish Cup:	3	0
League Cup:	14	2
Other:	0	0
Total:	73	11