Do you have any interesting, happy, or humorous memories of Billy?
If so, please let us know and we will be happy to share them with the world!
Gilbert, Billy When Billy was at Palace, I took him to all the home games then after the match out for a few beers. Played a lot of golf with him had some great night out with him and Jane. I remember taking him to Millwall as I am a Wall fan. He was injured at kick off in the stands. It was at the old Den, so we had to leave.
04-03-22 Ray Johnson
Gilbert, Billy I, as above went too Malory school & remember because Billy had made the England boys squad (not only that but was captain). Our school was given tickets to see England vs Scotland at WEMBLEY. I was only 11 and its was only my second live game... the other was Bromley vs Corinthian Casuals in Isthmian league. Billy of course went onto play for my boyhood heroes (then). I have made that clear THEN! Crystal Palace. Met him twice, once at school around 1977. Then at a Crystal Palace player of the year award. I do not support England being a Paddy, but it was an honour to know he went too my school. I think Billys career was cut short by injury. Always gave 100\%. I am currently putting a book of my memories growing up on the Downham estate and Billy has had a few mentions ....especially the england game.
Billy lived in Lewisham and I think played for the famous Riverside youth team. Billy Gilbert ... legend!
07-10-21 paul reynolds
Gilbert, Billy I went to Malory school, I was a few years below Billy, our deputy head spoke about him at the school assembly saying Billy had played for England the night before.
18-01-21 Cary
Gilbert, Billy Remember him playing football in goals at Marvel's Lane Junior School. Was a nice lad. Then watched him at Palace. God bless you Billy you made it
01-11-20 Simon Dennison
Gilbert, Billy Can remember playing with Billy for Malory school. Mr Arnold our teacher went to pick him up from his mums house in his car which I was a passenger and we saw him climb out of a window and climb down the drainpipe because his mum said he couldn’t play football that day. Plus he nicked my childhood sweetheart off me Jane Chessman ( although he probably didn’t realise.)
21-09-20 John Mansell
Gilbert, Billy Used to play football with Billy for the South London Schools District and Riverside Football Club based in Bellingham in South East London, a really nice lad and bumped into him years later at Bromley and he even remembered my name !! A genuine nice fella .
03-08-20 Brian Hayes
Gilbert, Billy One of the best palace sides ever
10-03-20 Stephen Dickson
