William E. Kiernan (22 May 1925 – 3 April 2006) was an English footballer.

Billy Kiernan
Personal information
Date of birth (1925-05-22)22 May 1925
Place of birth Croydon, England
Date of death 3 April 2006(2006-04-03) (aged 80)[1]
Place of death Pembury, England
Position(s) Outside left
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1947–1949 HKFC ? (?)
1949–1961 Charlton Athletic 378 (87)
1961–1963 Guildford City[2] ? (?)
International career
England B national football team 1 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Kiernan began his career with Charlton Athletic when Jimmy Seed signed him as an amateur in 1943. However, he made no impact at the club and following his release he joined the Royal Ulster Rifles. He served in India and Hong Kong and whilst stationed in the latter played for Hong Kong where his performances caught the eye of Charlton again. A versatile midfielder, Kiernan established himself as a Charlton regular for most of his career and became the club's sixth highest scorer of all time.[3] He also featured for the London XI that took part in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.

He finally left Charlton in 1961 and continued in non-league football for another two years with Guildford City before retiring. Kiernan had worked as an accountant during his playing days and continued in this role after leaving football, as well as becoming an antiques dealer in Tunbridge Wells.[4] He died in April 2006.[5]

References

edit
  1. ^ Charlton great passes on
  2. ^ B. Hugman, Football League Players Records, 1981, p. 144
  3. ^ Obituary[permanent dead link]
  4. ^ Obituary[permanent dead link]
  5. ^ Addicks reunited Archived 3 May 2006 at the Wayback Machine