'SIX FOOT TWO, EYES OF BLUE, BIG BILL GARNER'S AFTER YOU!'
Big, bustling Bill Garner was a dangerous striker during his time at Roots Hall. He was the first £100,000 player to be sold from the Blues and was a fan favourite. Garner was born in Leicester in 1947 and his path to Southend in 1969 came via Loughborough United, Notts County and Bedford Town.
The Blues fans were endeared by his willingness to battle for his side, as well as his ability to score goals. He was happy to not only put the ball in the goal, often the ‘keeper, defender and anyone else nearby, would end up in the back of the net. This was not the only feature of his game; Garner had skill to match his power.
Arthur Rowley secured Garner’s signature from Bedford Town in 1969. The striker already had an up and down career, floating in and out of professional football without holding down a steady place in a top side.
He began his footballing career at local team, Leicester Victoria. After impressing at local standard, he plied his trade at Loughborough United and soon after at Midland Athletic. His first professional contract was signed at the age of 19 for Notts County.
Garner only went on to make two first team appearances at Meadow Lane, and this brought a swift return to lower league football at Loughborough United, Dunstable Town and then Bedford Town. His impressive form at Dunstable attracted Southend, and Rowley’s gamble paid off as Garner hit the ground running.
In his 111 games with the Blues he scored 47 goals, a solid tally across three years with the club. The highlight of his Southend career was certainly the 1971-72 season, s he was part of the promotion winning squad that climbed back into the Third Division following a six-year absence. Not only this, he was named Player of the Season too.
Garner began the 1972-73 season at Roots Hall and was Rowley’s prized asset. Southend played Chelsea in a League Cup tie in September 1972, and his performance impressed the London side, so much so he was signed three days later for £100,000.
Garner spent six years at Stamford Bridge where injuries hampered his progress. Despite this, he was included in Don Revie’s England squad for the 1980 World Cup. Garner, now aged 70, has since returned to the club in a coaching capacity for the SUFC Centre of Excellence.
Forever remembered for his physical capabilities and eye for goal, Garner won many fans at Roots Hall. He was a pivotal member of the promotion winning side of 1971-72 and went on to play First Division football with Chelsea. A fan favourite and a very talented player, Garner will always hold a special bond with the Blues’ fans.
Peter Kenny Jones https://peterkj.wixsite.com/football-historian @PeterKennyJones
