Bill Lacey
Versatile (1912-24)
Date of Birth: 24/09/89
Birthplace: Wexford (Ireland)
Debut : 2nd March 1912 v Middlesbrough (h) Football League Division One: drew 1-1
1st team games: 258
1st team goals: 29
Other clubs: Shelbourne, Everton, New Brighton
National Team: Ireland 26 caps/3 goals
One of the great characters of Merseyside football who could fill any outfield position, Wexford-born Lacey began his career with Dublin club Shelbourne before joining Everton in 1908.
But when Everton wanted to sign Liverpool's outside left Harold Uren in 1912 a deal was struck that took Lacey and forward Tom Gracie in the opposite direction from Goodison to Anfield. Liverpool never regretted the 'swap'. Lacey went on to make 257 League and FA Cup appearances for the Anfield club over nine seasons in a variety of positions but starring as a winger on either flank.
Lacey played for Ireland with both Everton and Liverpool and won the last of his 26 caps at the age of 41. He gained an FA Cup runners-up medal in 1914 when he scored five times in seven games as an inside forward to help Liverpool reach the Final, which they lost 1-0 to Burnley at Crystal Palace.
Yet he was more a provider than a scorer, netting 29 times overall for Liverpool and after World War One, won championship medals in 1922 and 1923, wearing the No 7 jersey both seasons. A jovial character with a prominent chin that was a target for cartoonists, Lacey joined New Brighton in 1924, later returning to Shelbourne. He died in 1969 aged 79.
Honours with Liverpool: First Division Championship 1921/22 & 1922/23
Bill Lacey