Billy Garton
Encyclopedia
William Francis "Billy" Garton (born 15 March 1965 in Salford
) is a former footballer who played as a defender for Manchester United
. He signed as a trainee in May 1981 and professionally in March 1983. His debut came against Burnley in the League Cup
on 26 September 1984. Garton spent five years at United without really becoming a regular, spending time on loan at Birmingham City
in 1986. He made his last appearance against Coventry City
in December 1988. He started to suffer blinding headaches and was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis
, which caused him to retire from the game in May 1990.
He subsequently played for non-league clubs including Salford City
, Witton Albion
and Hyde United.
He and his wife, dance teacher Francine, have four children called Bobbie, Billy and Frankie and Charlie relocated to San Diego
in 2000, where he co-founded the "Carmel Valley Manchester" youth soccer club.
City of Salford
The City of Salford is a city and metropolitan borough of Greater Manchester, England. It is named after its largest settlement, Salford, but covers a far larger area which includes the towns of Eccles, Swinton-Pendlebury, Walkden and Irlam which apart from Irlam each have a population of over...
) is a former footballer who played as a defender for Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
. He signed as a trainee in May 1981 and professionally in March 1983. His debut came against Burnley in the League Cup
Football League Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis...
on 26 September 1984. Garton spent five years at United without really becoming a regular, spending time on loan at Birmingham City
Birmingham City F.C.
Birmingham City Football Club is a professional association football club based in the city of Birmingham, England. Formed in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, they became Small Heath in 1888, then Birmingham in 1905, finally becoming Birmingham City in 1943.They were relegated at the end of the...
in 1986. He made his last appearance against Coventry City
Coventry City F.C.
Coventry City Football Club, otherwise known as the Sky Blues owing to the traditional colour of their strip, are a professional English Football league club based in Coventry...
in December 1988. He started to suffer blinding headaches and was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome is the most common name used to designate a significantly debilitating medical disorder or group of disorders generally defined by persistent fatigue accompanied by other specific symptoms for a minimum of six months, not due to ongoing exertion, not substantially...
, which caused him to retire from the game in May 1990.
He subsequently played for non-league clubs including Salford City
Salford City F.C.
Salford City F.C. are a semi-professional football club based in the Kersal area of Salford, Greater Manchester, England. They are the only semi-professional side in the City of Salford, with Manchester United the closest league club. Salford City currently play in the Northern Premier League...
, Witton Albion
Witton Albion F.C.
Witton Albion F.C. are a football club based in Northwich, England. They were founded in 1887. They have won the Cheshire Senior Cup 11 times since 1902. Their most recent success in this competition was in 2006, when they defeated Stalybridge Celtic in the final. They have also reached the FA Cup...
and Hyde United.
He and his wife, dance teacher Francine, have four children called Bobbie, Billy and Frankie and Charlie relocated to San Diego
San Diego, California
San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round...
in 2000, where he co-founded the "Carmel Valley Manchester" youth soccer club.