LAST week in Archives, we mentioned that amateur football club Bishop Auckland brought in players from all over the country in their quest for success in the Northern League and in amateur competitions like the FA Amateur Cup.

For instance, 65 years ago this month, Rhyl centre forward Billy Russell signed on the dotted line for the Kingsway club. At the time Russell, a native of Rhyl, was playing as as an amateur for Rhyl and Manchester City while he was studying foreign languages on a degree course at Aberystwyth university. He had impressed Bishop Auckland in a second round FA Cup tie at Rhyl in December 1956 which Bishop lost 3-1. His name went straight into Auckland secretary Kit Rudd's notebook.

He was warmly welcomed by the other players at Kingsway, and made his mark by scoring twice on his debut in a 5-2 win over Stockton in the Durham Challenge Cup.

He was then controversially selected by Bishop Auckland for their Amateur Cup final clash with Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley in April 1957. Controversial, because it was his one and only appearance for the Bishops in the Amateur Cup. His inclusion hinged on the fitness of centre forward Ray Oliver and inside forward Seamus O'Connell. Ray Oliver had been suffering with a knee injury, and had been in and out of the team all season, while Seamus O'Connell was injured in the semi-final against Hayes at St James' Park, where the forward line was Bradley, Lewin, Hardisty, O'Connell, Edwards. Russell was also unavailable for the semi-final because the North Wales Coast Association required him for a regional game. Bishop had gone back to ask Ray Oliver to play, but Ray had told them where to go.

When the Bishop Auckland committee met on the Monday evening prior to the Wembley final to pick the team, Oliver and O'Connell were regarded as injured. so Russell was picked at number 9 with Hardisty wearing the number 10 shirt in a team which read: Sharratt, Marshall, Childs, Thursby, Cresswell, Nimmins, Bradley, Lewin, Russell, Hardisty, Edwards.

It did not go down well with lion-hearted Ray Oliver who had declared himself fit and 50 years later was still protesting that he was fit for the 1957 final. Ray left the club for a while, but did return, no doubt emotionally wounded by the experience.

This was another example though of just how ruthless the committee of Bishop Auckland FC could be - and perhaps they were vindicated as the Bishops won the final 3-1, with Russell scoring the first (below).

The Northern Echo: Billy Russell scores the first Bishop Auckland goal in a 3-1 win over Wycombe Wanderers in the 1957 FA Amateur Cup Final.

He did not reach double figures with his appearances for Bishop Auckland, and after the final went straight back to Wales to continue his studies. He still won four England amateur international caps, scoring three times, before signing for Sheffield United where, from 1957-1963, he made 144 league appearances scoring 55 league goals, which included a goal on his debut for Sheffield United Reserves, a goal on debut for the Blades First team, plus a hat-trick in 18 minutes against Newcastle.

He was the last amateur to play for Sheffield United and also the last amateur international and major part-time player to play for the Blades. He remained a teacher, despite playing for a professional club.

In 1963 he was transferred to Bolton Wanderers for £20,000, and finished his career with Rochdale, Scarborough and Chorley. He broke his leg three times.

Recently, Alan Adamthwaite, a Bishop supporter living in Stafford, who has written one book on the club and another on Bob Hardisty, tried to trace Billy Russell, who had became a bit of a mystery after never contacting the Bishops again. He received a message from the partner of Billy's daughter, Amanda, and a meeting was arranged in Rhyl.

The Northern Echo: Billy and Cathie Russell at their home in Rhyl

Billy and Cathie Russell at their home in Rhyl

Alan said: "I was quaking with excitement at the thought of meeting Billy Russell, but was happy during our meeting to tell him that Ray Oliver, who had never met Billy, did not bear any grudge against him over his inclusion in the Bishop team at Wembley in 1957. Ray's ire was solely directed towards the club's selection committee.

"Billy's face showed signs of emotion after carrying the guilt around for three decades or more.'

"When I left Billy and his wife Cathie, I not only had some of Cathie's homemade chutney, but memories of an afternoon spent with a wonderful couple and an open invitation to return at anytime."

Thanks to Alan Adamthwaite for his help this week.