Billy Minter

Born William James Minter ( born 16 April 1888 in Woolwich - died 21 May 1940), 'Billy' Minter was a player, trainer, manager and assistant secretary at Tottenham Hotspur F.C.

He began his playing career at Woolwich Arsenal in 1905. However, due to a lack of first team opportunities he joined Spurs in March 1908 and remained as a player there for 18 years until 1926 making 334 appearances and scoring 101 goals the club in all competitions. The first of those came on his debut against Millwall which became the first of many that that led to him becoming top-scorer for the next three seasons which helped the club retain top flight status. He was called up for military service during the First World War between 1914 and 1918. Not long after his return from the conflict he was made club captain only to announce his retirement at the end of the 1919-20 season after being replaced in the starting line-up by Jimmy Banks.

He remained on the books as a trainer and following Peter McWilliams' resignation as manager, Minter took over the position on 28 February 1927 and remained as manager for three years before being succeeded by Percy Smith after failing health, brought on by the stress of an unsuccessful reign, including relegation in his first season, caused him to resign the post. Despite this he still remained dedicated to the club and took up a position in the club's administrate offices — a post he held until his death on 21 May 1940.