Tributes paid to former Arsenal player, Carrickfergus-born Billy McCullough
Arsenal football club has paid tribute to former player, Carrickfergus-born Billy McCullough, who has died at the age of 90.
A long-time left-back for the London side, Billy made 268 appearances for the club between 1958 and 1966.
He was also capped 10 times for Northern Ireland.
Born in July 1935 to Margaret and Samuel McCullough, he was the third youngest of 13 children.
Initially coming through local junior football, Billy went on to play for Portadown, before being snapped up by Arsenal in 1958 for £5000.
He was the first signing for the Gunners’ new boss, George Swindin.
Billy moved to England to pursue football professionally, where he settled and remained.
During his career, Billy’s playing style earned him the nickname ‘Flint’ after Flint McCullough - a character in the popular western TV series of the day, Wagon Train.
After hanging up his boots, the Northern Ireland man worked as an electrical engineer for his father-in-law’s business in Essex.
Billy spent his latter years in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire. He passed away on March 13, 2026.
Billy was the last remaining sibling of the McCullough line, said his niece Amanda Moore. “He celebrated his 90th birthday last July at his favourite golf club in Hertfordshire, and myself and my husband David were privileged to be able to join the family and be part of his big celebrations,” Amanda added.
"He was also joined by many of his former teammates and managers who wished him well on the day – a treasured day we will remember forever.
"Billy is succeeded by his only daughter Nancy and his two grandchildren, Nicholas and Zoe who were his absolute pride and joy as he was theirs.”
In a social media post, Arsenal paid tribute to the former left-back. “All of us are thinking of his loved ones at this time,” the Premier League club wrote. “Rest in peace, Billy.”
The Carrick-born player was also remembered by Portadown Football Club, for whom he made his debut at the age of 22. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Billy’s family at this sad and difficult time,” the club said.