William “Billy” Ronson was born on 22 January 1957 in Fleetwood, Lancashire, into a family deeply connected to football — his father, Percy Ronson, was a long-time figure at Fleetwood Football Club. Billy began his professional career with Blackpool FC, making his debut in March 1975 against Nottingham Forest. Although his early years at Bloomfield Road saw limited first-team opportunities, he eventually established himself as a key midfielder. Despite his efforts, he was unable to prevent Blackpool’s relegation in the 1977–78 season.
In 1979, Ronson transferred to Cardiff City for a club-record fee of £130,000, following a loan spell in the United States with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, where he made 21 appearances. At Cardiff, he became a consistent performer, missing few games over two seasons and making 90 appearances in total. After growing frustrated with the club’s lack of progress, he moved to Wrexham, where his single season ended in relegation. He subsequently joined Barnsley, becoming a popular figure with supporters before a falling-out with manager Allan Clarke led to a brief loan at Birmingham City and a short return to Blackpool.
Ronson’s career took a new direction in 1986 when he moved to the United States to join the Baltimore Blast in the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL). He became a fan favourite, known for his tenacity and skill, and remained with the club until 1992. He later played for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the outdoor league and for the Detroit Rockers in 1993, scoring 19 goals in 29 appearances, before returning to the Blast to finish his career.
After retiring from football, Ronson settled in Baltimore County, Maryland, where he worked for Action Business Systems. He passed away from natural causes at his home in Perry Hall on 8 April 2015, remembered fondly by fans on both sides of the Atlantic for his commitment, flair, and love of the game.
League Division Two – Fulham v Blackpool – Craven Cottage. Billy Ronson and Fulham’s Les Strong. 8 October 1977
Blackpool team group. (Back row, l-r) Terry Alcock, George Wood, Bill Bentley, Colin King and Alan Ainscow. (Middle row, l-r) Rob Hatton, Steve Harrison, John Curtis, Paul Hart, Stan McEwah and David Tong. (Front row, l-r) Kevin Moore, Alan Suddick, Peter Suddaby, Michael Walsh and Billy Ronson. 18 August 1976
G40DPR Blackpool team group. (Back row, l-r) Terry Alcock, George Wood, Bill Bentley, Colin King and Alan Ainscow. (Middle row, l-r) Rob Hatton, Steve Harrison, John Curtis, Paul Hart, Stan McEwah and David Tong. (Front row, l-r) Kevin Moore, Alan Suddick, Peter Suddaby, Michael Walsh and Billy Ronson
