October 13, 1906
To-day is Billy Dunlop’s second benefit, and a great day it will be with Liverpool people. He has now been connected with the Liverpool Club for twelve years, and as the Chairman of the Directors put it to me, “the Ayrshire lad has never once caused Director or trainer a moment’s anxiety.”
Dunlop is a Hurlford bairn, in which village he was born some 30 years ago. He was only 15 years of age when he joined the Hurlford Club, and in his first season took part in two finals. He played then, as now, as a left full back, and Dunlop remarks that he has played in that position from the time he can remember having anything to do with football. From Hurlford to Kilmarnock he went, and after a couple of years was induced to join Abercorn, of Paisley. Whilst with this club he was chosen to play against a Glasgow City eleven, and he was also selected to play for the Rest of the Scottish Second League against Hibernians, the champions.
It was in season 1894-95 that Dunlop left Scotland behind him and joined the Liverpool Club. Two years were spent in the Second League, and then an opportunity was given them of appearing in the premier division, but they lost the memorable test match with Bury at Ewood by a goal to nothing. It was a happy day for Dunlop when Liverpool found a place in the First League, and now that they have rested there he says it will be difficult to displace them.
After waiting for many years, Dunlop was last season “capped” for the first time by Scotland in the English International. For consistency the veteran back possesses a record that will be difficult to beat. In 1898-99 he played 33 out of 34 League matches, and the following year took part in every game. In 1900-01 he missed one match, and the same number in the ensuing season, so that out of a possible 136 games in four successive seasons he only missed three.
Dunlop has all his days led a steady and sober life, and also he is an example of the ideal footballer. Had he not done so he would not now have been capable of holding his own against the best talent in the land. There is not a more respected player in English football circles than Billy Dunlop.
(Source: Dundee Courier: October 13, 1906)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 