Bill Kirkbride
William Kirkbride is an English former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, and coached in the 1970s and 1980s. He played at representative level for Cumberland [rugby league team|Cumberland], and at club level for United Steel ARLFC, Workington Town, Halifax, Castleford, Salford, Leigh, Brisbane Souths, Wakefield Trinity, York and Rochdale Hornets, as a or, and coached at club level for Wakefield Trinity, York and Rochdale Hornets.
Background
Kirkbride's birth was registered in Workington, Cumberland, England.Playing career
Early career
Kirkbride made his début for Workington Town playing alongside fellow Cumbrian Frank Foster in the 11-10 victory over Widnes at Naughton Park in the last game of the 1963–64 [Northern Rugby Football League season|1963–64] season on Tuesday 12 May 1964. He joined Halifax in 1968 for a fee of £6,000. He made his début for Halifax against Leigh Miners Welfare in the Challenge Cup.Castleford
In September 1969, he joined Castleford for a fee of £5,750. Kirkbride played at and was man of the match winning the Lance Todd Trophy in Castleford's 7–2 victory over Wigan in the 1970 Challenge Cup final at Wembley Stadium, London during the 1969–70 Northern [Rugby Football League season|1969–70 season] on 9 May 1970.Salford
He joined Salford in 1971 for a fee of £6,000.Kirkbride played at in Salford's 7–12 defeat by Leeds in the 1972–73 [League Cup |1972–73 Players No.6 Trophy] final at Fartown Ground, Huddersfield on Saturday 24 March 1973.