William James McCullough (27 July 1935 – March 2026) was a Northern Irish footballer who made more than 250 appearances for Arsenal in the Football League and was capped 10 times for Northern Ireland.
Career Born in Carrickfergus, McCullough first played for Portadown, before being signed in 1958 for £5,000 by London club Arsenal. A left-back, he soon made his debut for the club, against Luton Town on 26 December 1958. He only played ten matches that season, but after Len Wills was moved to right back at the start of 1959–60, McCullough became Arsenal's' regular left back.
McCullough became known for his consistency and fitness – he wore the No. 3 shirt for Arsenal for the next six seasons, missing only a handful of matches. Although Arsenal had reached third place in his first season at the club, for the rest of his career in the side the club dwelled in mid-table and never challenged for honours.
McCullough won his first cap for Northern Ireland in a friendly against Italy on 25 April 1961, which Northern Ireland lost 3-2. He went on to appear ten times for his country, scoring no goals, with his final cap coming against England in a 2-0 defeat on 22 October 1966.
By 1965–66, McCullough had competition for his place, in the shape of the young Peter Storey. When Bertie Mee took over at Arsenal at the end of that season, looking to build a young side, he transfer listed the 31-year-old McCullough during the close season. He had played 268 matches in total for Arsenal, scoring 5 goals. He was sold to Millwall in August 1966, and later had spells at Bedford Town, Cork Celtic and Derry City.
Death On 13 March 2026, it was announced that McCullough had died at the age of 90.
Career statistics + Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupEuropeTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsArsenal1958–59First Division10010—1101959–60First Division33000—3301960–61First Division41010—4201961–62First Division40020—4201962–63First Division42330—4531963–64First Division40140414821964–65First Division30000—3001965–66First Division17000—170Career total2534110412685
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