Cecil Thomas Frederick Willard born on 16 January 1924, known as Jess Willard, was an English professional footballer who played as a right half and inside forward in the Football League for Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace.
Jess Willard attended the Lancastrian School in his home town of Chichester. He boxed in his youth and acquired the nickname “Jess”. Jess served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.
After his retirement from playing Jess became a coach and trainer, first managing the youth team and serving as first team coach at Crystal Palace, then later working as trainer at Brentford and presiding over one match as caretaker manager in January 1975.