Billy Lake was the longest serving City player prior to the War. His 123 goals in 244 games, is second only to Clarrie Bourton in City's all-time goal-scoring records. He became a professional as a fresh-faced 18 year old with Walsall, for whom his father was a director. After 27 appearances at Fellows Park, he signed for City and was an instant success, always scoring at an average of a goal every other game. His purple patch came in 1930-31 when he netted 23 goals, and when he was joined by Clarrie Bourton and Jock Lauderdale City's front line was devastating. He lost out to Welsh international Les Jones, but was always able to score whenever he was called up to the first team. He retired in September 1939 at the outbreak of hostilities.

Hat tricks (5)
1929-30
9 November 1929 v Norwich City H, Division Three (South)
1930-31
21 March 1931 v Bristol Rovers H, Division Three (South) - 4 goals
1931-32
2 January 1932 v Fulham H, Division Three (South)
1932-33
4 March 1933 v Queens Park Rangers H, Division Three (South)
1937-38
19 February 1937 v Luton Town A, Division Two - 4 goals