Profile: Whenever the name of Bill Bradbury is mentioned the word 'character' is more often than not included in the same sentence. This biography is no different for, by his own admission, he was a character. Never afraid to speak his mind this son of Derbyshire acquired that quaint Yorkshire tradition of calling a spade a shovel. Whilst this may have upset some within Footballs' upper echelons, it certainly entertained the fans. Whenever he stepped on to the field, it was not just to play a game of football but rather to give a performance and, on so many occasions, what performances they were. Having played most of his football in the Midlands it was a surprise to find him moving north to join the Tigers, especially as he had played his part in helping Birmingham win promotion to Division 1 the previous season. The persuasive talents of Bob Brocklebank however proved sufficient to attract Bill to a club with whom he spent the longest time of any he was to play for and, for whom, he still retained a deep affection until the time of his death. His average of a goal, virtually every other game, became his trademark and in the promotion winning season of 58/59, his tally of 30 goals set a post-war record that was only to be bettered by another Tiger legend, Ken Wagstaff. Bill is on record as stating that the years he spent at Hull "…were the happiest of my life". In death, he has returned to his happy hunting ground for his ashes are spread over Boothferry Park and as time moves on, the word character will continue to be linked with the name Bill Bradbury, but the word star should also be included. |
