Tributes paid to Bill - Hastings United’s ‘best-ever’ goalkeeper

The East Sussex football community is mourning the sad loss of Bill Farnfield, who passed away at St Leonards at the age of 87.
By Richard Walsh
Published 23rd Feb 2023, 09:23 BST
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Bill was a fearless goalkeeper who has been described as the best keeper who has ever played for Hastings United.

He was born at Bexhill-on-Sea and started his footballing career when he appeared in goal for Sidley United in an East Sussex League match at the tender age of 11.

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After serving his National Service in the Army, he signed as a full-time professional for Hastings United in August 1957, earning the princely sum of £20 per week.

Bill FarnfieldBill Farnfield
Bill Farnfield

During his time at Hastings United, Bill was voted the best keeper in the Southern League, which was quite an achievement because Welsh international Iorwerth Hughes was also on the books at Hastings

After three seasons at the Pilot Field, he signed for Tunbridge Wells United where Bill played with Gerry Boon, Jack Harrop. Jasper Yuell ,Alan Back and Ron Saxby (who all had Hastings United connections) in the club’s FA Cup run in 1961-62.

At the end of that season Bill moved to join Chatham Town where he spent four happy years and played alongside former Hastings United player Micky Bull.

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