It is with great sadness that Portadown FC has received the news of the passing of former player William (Billy) James McCullough. When Gibby McKenzie came to Portadown from Linfield for his first period in charge in 1957, the team was at a low ebb. Gibby set about rebuilding the team and in January 1958 he signed twenty-two-year-old McCullough from Ballyclare Comrades.
Billy, a Carrickfergus man, began his career in the Cloughfern and Whiteabbey Junior League before making the move to local side Barn. He had a short spell at Linfield where he turned out for their third team Linfield Rangers. He returned to Barn before being snapped up by Ballyclare Comrades in 1955 where his performances had a number of clubs clambering for his signature. Portadown beat off the competition for the young full-back and made a donation to Ballyclare for the signature of McCullough who was on an amateur contract.
Billy made his debut for Portadown away to Derry City on 18th January 1958. He hit the ground running at Shamrock Park making sixteen appearances that season. His performances were attracting great interest from across the water and on 12th September 1958 he signed for Arsenal after just twenty-three appearances for The Ports. Portadown received a £6,000 fee for Billy with add-ons after twelve first team appearances and again when he made his international debut for Northern Ireland. He would go on to make ten appearances for his country.
Billy spent eight seasons at Highbury before joining Millwall in 1966. The following season he joined non-league Bedford Town before finishing his career with League of Ireland side Cork Celtic.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Billy’s family at this sad and difficult time.
Written by Trevor Clydesdale
