Bill McMillan had been with Hearts, the Scottish champions, without ever making the first team, when he joined St Mary’s towards the end of their second season in the Southern League.

Admired for his kicking action – his nickname of “Punt” is a clue to its nature –

he settled in at right-half, a problem position in which five players had so far been tried in that Southern League season of 1895-96. Ever-present the following season, as the Saints won that League for the first time, Bill started 1897-98 in possession. But with Sammy Meston moving from right-back to right-half, so as to accommodate new arrival, Tom Nicol, McMillan’s chances became limited. His consequent attempt to revive his first-team opportunities at First Division Burnley brought him only three appearances, after which he returned to the Scottish League, where he had a couple of games for St Mirren but later failed – amid non-league spells – to make an appearance for Morton.