Billy Molloy turned down the opportunity to turn professional with Coventry, opting, instead, to join the Army. Posted to Ludgershall, near Andover, he attracted Southampton’s attention. After a trial, he was offered, and accepted, terms. He immediately impressed in the Reserves and, as the new manager Sid Cann shuffled his inherited pack, Billy was given a first-team outing at inside-left. The Football Echo passed the following verdict

“the newcomer Molloy did not see much of the ball, partly, it may be, because of his lack of experience. He probably found this football much faster in movement than anything else to which he has so far been accustomed”.

Not given a second chance, he was offered a free transfer and Aston Villa expressed interest, only for Cann suddenly to demand £750. Disheartened, Billy found a job in Lockheed’s maintenance department. Having then attempted to resuscitate his League career – three games for Newport County, but none for Millwall – he had several non-league ventures on the way to becoming a painter and decorator in Coventry.