Willemse, Stan

  • Home
  • /
  • Willemse, Stan

Stan Willemse

Stan Willemse

Clubs played for: Brighton and Hove Albion, Chelsea, Leyton Orient (1946-1958)

Born: 1924

Birthplace: Brighton

Position: Left-back

Biography: Having served in the Royal Marines during the Second World War, he joined Chelsea from Brighton for £6,500 in 1949. The transfer fee apparently enabled the south coast club to refurbish the South Stand at the Goldstone Ground. He replaced Welsh international Billy Hughes, becoming a huge fans' favourite after establishing himself as a regular in the team from 1952 onwards. Willemse only missed six games in the 1955 League title winning season, partnering John Harris and then Peter Sillett. It is reported that he raced home to Brighton after the title victory to watch his greyhounds run. Then, as the team broke up he was sold to Leyton Orient for £4,500 in Jun 1956. After retiring he took over a pub in Brighton before running a betting shop in Southwick. He then became a security officer at London University before retiring to Hove, Sussex, where he still lives.




Back to previous page

Comments

Do you have any interesting, happy, or humorous memories of Stan?
If so, please let us know and we will be happy to share them with the world!

Willemse, Stan Such a hard tackler, not many people went past him! Our little crowd at the Bridge used to call him Jungle Juice!
22-09-21 james peckham

Willemse, Stan Never saw him play.but own his 1954-55 LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP MEDAL.
21-01-21 PETER BURGESS

Add Your Comments