Billy Barnes

Billy Barnes (20 May 1879 – 1962) was a professional footballer from West Ham, Essex. Originally debuting for Thames Ironworks, he moved to Sheffield United and scored the winning goal in the 1902 FA Cup final replay. Later on in his career he won two Southern Football League titles and took part in two Charity Shield matches including the first time it was held. Once his playing career was over, he went on to manage Athletic Bilbao in Spain. Early life and family Barnes was born on 20 May 1879 in London. His father was a dockworker, while his mother owned a coffee shop in Silvertown. His brother, Alfred Barnes, was a Labour Co-operative politician who went on to become Minister of Transport. Playing career Thames Ironworks and South West Ham Barnes began his career at Thames Ironworks as a 16-year-old. He made at least five appearances for the Ironworks during the first half of the club's first season of existence in 1895–96, before moving to South West Ham of the South Essex League. Later that season, Barnes returned to the Thames Ironworks team as a guest and played in the final of the West Ham Charity Cup. The match required two replays and Barnes features in all three games, with the Irons eventually running out as winners. He joined fellow South Essex League club Leyton as a professional in 1898.