Energetic and reliable, Billy Kidd was a master of positional tactics.  He attracted the attention of League scouts while playing at centre-forward for County Durham side Pegswood, but played left-back in an emergency, and never played anywhere else again, being Chesterfield's first-choice in that position from his debut until retirement.

He had a trial with Chesterfield in January '32, but held out for a better offer and was only called back in March after injury to a reserve named Joe Weily left the club under strength in the full-back division.  He guested for Bradford City, Huddersfield Town and Leeds United during WW2.

Billy played his last Chesterfield match on September 20th., 1947, at the age of 40 years, 232 days, holding the record of being the club's oldest player until Lawrie Madden added to it at the start of the `95-6 season.  Good with his head and very mobile, Billy's tackles were noted for their tenacity, rather than timing, but he wasn't a dirty player.

A former miner, he was appointed trainer to the 3rd XI upon retirement in 1948, but he resigned in July 1952 to concentrate on his off-licence business on Newbold Moor. A potentially embarrassing photo-shoot from the 1940s featured Billy and his wife practising their favourite hobby - rug making! Can you imagine David and Victoria having a quiet night in, twisting the Wilton? No, neither can I - how times change!

For Chesterfield: 316 League appearances, 2 goals

(also 170 games for Chesterfield in wartime football)