*Indicates unconfirmed information. Figures in brackets after English team names indicate all appearances made and goals scored in competitive matches for Football League clubs from 1888 onwards. For Scottish League clubs the figures show details of all competitive appearances and goals scored from 1946/47 onwards.
Bill Swain
Appearances: 94 Goals: 8
Date / Year of birth: 30th November 1943
Position: Centre-back
Season of first appearance: 1969/70
Season of last appearance: 1970/71
Also played for: Fulham (0), Dover and Bexley United
Powerful 6' 4" tall centre-back born in Romford, Essex noted for his aerial ability.
Bill started his career in Fulham's juniors and progressed to the first team squad during the 1960/61 campaign before joining Dover in July 1961. He went to spend eight seasons at Crabble and became club captain, making 304 Southern League appearances. Bill scored 19 goals in that time, including a hat-trick in a 3-0 win at Canterbury on 18.5.63 - part of a run of six goals in three games. He also had a spell as the club's player-manager spanning the 1967/68 and 1968/69 seasons.
In the summer of 1969 Bill joined Margate as a replacement for Bob Harrop and a fee of around £500 was involved, Margate used the money they had just received from the sale of Phil Amato to fund the deal. Manager Almer Hall said at the time "I have always rated Swain as being one of the finest centre-halves in the Southern League and I am confident he will do well with us."
Bill became Margate's captain and made his debut in a 3-3 draw at Hereford on 9.8.69 - the opening day of the 1969/70 Southern League campaign. He went on to make 71 appearances during the season and was described as being "a tower of strength" by the local press. Bill was a model of consistency throughout the campaign and on 15.11.69 he was in the Margate side that were thrashed 7-2 by visitors Aldershot in the FA Cup 1st Round. He scored five goals including one in the 2nd Leg of the Kent Floodlight Cup Final at Gravesend & Northfleet on 5.5.70 and another in the 2nd Leg of the Kent Senior Cup Final at Dartford on 9.5.70.
Bill started the 1970/71 season in commanding style and continued to be a cool head in the heart of Margate's defence, as well as being a danger when going forward for set pieces. On 21.11.70 he played as Margate lost 2-0 at Dagenham in the FA Cup 1st Round. However in December 1970 he was promoted to an executive position by his employers - North Thames Gas Board - and had to leave the club early in 1971. Bill had made 23 appearances and scored three goals during the season.
In June 1971 he joined Bexley and after inspiring them to two fine FA Trophy runs Bill retired in December 1972 aged only 29.
|
SEASON (CLUB) |
FULL (MAX) |
SUB |
GLS |
FAC |
FAT |
SLC |
KSC |
KFC | |
|
1969/70 (MFC) |
71 (72) |
0 |
5 |
SOUTHERN LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION (13TH OF 22) |
1R |
3QR |
3R |
RU |
RU |
|
Played in FA Cup 1st Round (15.11.69 - lost
7-2 at home to Aldershot). | |||||||||
|
SEASON (CLUB) |
FULL (MAX) |
SUB |
GLS |
FAC |
FAT |
SLC |
KSC |
KFC | |
|
1970/71 (MFC) |
23 (72) |
0 |
3 |
SOUTHERN LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION (13TH OF 22) |
1R |
1R |
SF |
QF |
GR |
| Played in FA Cup 1st Round (21.11.70 - lost 2-0 at Dagenham). | |||||||||