Billy Coulson (1971/72 to 1973/74)

Billy Coulson only got one chance in the first-team during his two years at the club. He also played 45 games for the reserves, scoring seven goals.

He was playing for Consett in 1970/71 and was given a three-month trial at Chelsea, however they told him that he wouldn’t make it as a first division player. He was also offered a trial at Blackburn Rovers.

He moved to North Shields and then In October 1971 United signed him and he became a full-time professional for the first time.

After some excellent performances in the reserves he was rewarded by being named as substitute for the match against Chelsea in December.

Harvey then included him in the side to face Derby County in the Texaco Cup semi-final andJoe gave him a very positive “write-up” before the game. “He has got bags of confidence on the ball and the power to see a job through. If he does go in, I will not have the slightest worry about him not being up to it. He’s that good”.

Unfortunately, in February he suffered an injury which required a cartilage operation on his left knee which ruled him out for the rest of the season. He was selected for the Far East tour at the end of the season, but weight gain while he had been sidelined meant he did not do himself justice.

In order to try and get himself fully fit for the 1972/73 season he started pre-season early, but he would never be selected for the first team again.

In October 1973 he moved to Southend. Their original target was striker Paul Cannell, but he turned down their approach.