William Gerrish was born in Bristol, 28th December 1884. He played for Bristol Rovers in the Southern League before joining Aston Villa in 1909. He scored on his debut against Arsenal and in his second game he added three more against Chelsea. In his first season he scored 14 goals in 36 games and helped his club win the First Division of the Football League.

The following season he suffered from injuries and was able to obtain a regular place in the Aston Villa side that finished second in the league behind Manchester United.

In 1912 Gerrish joined Preston North End. However he only managed to play in three games before joining Chesterfield Town.

On the outbreak of the First World War he joined the Footballers' Battalion Middlesex Regiment. William Gerrish was killed on the Western Front on 8th August, 1916.