Bill Asprey, a hard-nosed defender who once played behind Sir Stanley Matthews at Stoke City, later returned to the club for a challenging stint as coach and manager.
Bill Asprey, a beloved figure in Stoke City history as both a player and manager, has died at the age of 88.
Born in Wolverhampton, Asprey grew up supporting his hometown club but was ultimately drawn to Stoke, despite interest from Wolves legend Stan Cullis. He made his first-team debut at just 17 and went on to play 341 times for the Potters, making him one of the club’s all-time appearance leaders. A key part of the squad that won promotion to the top flight in 1963, Asprey also helped Stoke reach the 1964 League Cup final.
A tough-tackling defender, Asprey was a regular fixture in Tony Waddington’s side, often playing behind the iconic Stanley Matthews. He even scored a memorable hat-trick as an emergency forward in 1961. After leaving Stoke, he had spells at Oldham and Port Vale before retiring in 1968.
Asprey then enjoyed a varied coaching career, including stints at Sheffield Wednesday, West Brom, Wolves, and abroad with the national teams of Zimbabwe and Syria. He was also credited with the infamous “donkey kick” free-kick routine while at Coventry City.
He returned to Stoke in 1982 as assistant to Richie Barker, during a time of tactical experimentation and financial constraints. When Barker was sacked, Asprey took charge and engineered a dramatic escape from relegation in 1984, helped by the inspired signing of Alan Hudson. The following season, however, was disastrous as the club struggled with youth and loan signings, and Asprey suffered from health issues.
By April 1985, his time at Stoke ended, with concerns for his wellbeing prompting his suspension. Still passionate about the game, Asprey went on to coach in Iraq, Malaysia, and Bahrain before retiring in Jersey, where he passed away on Sunday.
Asprey will be remembered for his grit, loyalty, and deep connection to Stoke City through its highs and lows.
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