Bill Boyd came south with his father, who became a custom’s officer in Southampton Docks. Soon snatched from local football by St Mary’s, he began the 1892-93 season as reserve centre-half, only to be pushed into service as a goalkeeper, when Ralph Ruffell retired – temorarily, it would transpire – in November. In an eight-game spell that included seven friendlies, Boyd was on the losing side only once. In late December, however, he left the club. He was, at the time, employed as an engine-maker’s apprentice, but soon returned to his roots, where he worked as an iron-moulder.