Local Sportsmen's Gallery

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Hughie
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Re: Local Sportsmen's Gallery

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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
February 11, 1944

Willie Leitch

While Saltcoats Vics., since instituted in 1911, have produced many fine players, it must be agreed that the best of them belonged to Ayrshire. Willie Leitch, who first played for Vics. in 1922, fast became very popular with the supporters but senior agents had also an eye on him.
He signed for Glasgow Celtic for whom he played many fine games. He was given on loan to another senior club who were interested in the Scottish Cup. Then he signed for Kilmarnock.

After several years as a senior he came back to Saltcoats, and although an outside-left, he could fill any position with credit to him self and the club he represented. Back, half half-back or forward he was a success, and he has filled most positions, but forward was his best position.

At centre-forward he scored many goals as he possessed a powerful shot. Not too big but heavily made and one that was difficult to put of the ball when in possession. He certainly had a successful football career and although he has retired from the game for some time, he still looks fit and attends most important games in the district.
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Re: Local Sportsmen's Gallery

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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
January 7, 1944

Wull Reid

Saltcoats Victoria in their early days had many fine players and one of them was William Reid, who was a player above the average. Never had any time for the polished type of player, but always gave of his best. The more important the game the better he played, for excitement never put him off his balance. Strong in defence and could plan an attack which brought him among his forwards acting like a general. His care of a young, player was fatherly and consider. ate, and his words of advice could be heard no matter how exciting was the game. Just one of the players that was all out for the success of his mates as well as himself.

A more honest-to-goodness player never wore the colours of Victoria and he turned many a came that looked like defeat into a victory, and if Vics. had enjoyed many successes during his term with the club, he certainly deserves lots of credit for his never say die method which will long he remembered by those who knew his worth as a Vics, player.
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Re: Local Sportsmen's Gallery

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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
February 19, 1943

Jimmy Mitchell

No sportsman has done more for football in Irvine than Jimmy Mitchell, Secretary of Irvine Meadow. For close on thirty years he has taken an active part in the affairs of Meadow. During his long connection with the Irvine club he has brought to light many of the bidden stars in the Royal Burgh. He was successful as a football official owing to the fact that he visited all the schoolboy and juvenile games in and out of Ayrshire and he could spot a player which is a great asset to a club official.

When he brought George Hamilton from the local Boys' Brigade to Meadow Park many held the opinion that he was too light and young, but Hamilton was nursed and made good, and this player is only one of many who can thank Jimmy Mitchell for their success Mr Mitchell takes his football very seriously, if not at times too seriously.

His brother John and his son have played for the 'Dow, and although he has been up against it many times financially and to field a team, nevertheless, he has won through. An engineer to trade, and is also a delegate for the society, and a keen bowler. He has not only been an asset to the Meadow, but to Ayrshire football in general.
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Re: Local Sportsmen's Gallery

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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
April 30, 1943

Donald Findlay

In the early days of Winton Rovers they had many prominent players, but none of them were more popular than Donald Findlay, the small bulky centre-half who was a pivot of outstanding ability. Although he lacked inches for the position, still, he could jump to head a ball with the tallest of his opponents. He had in unusual style for a centrehalf, but it was that style that had his opponents guessing. He possessed unusual staying power for no matter how fast the game was, Donald could always last the pace. A very popular player and one who took great care of himself, hence the reason for always being fit. He was one of the very few players who was made a life member of Winton Rovers.

He has spent the better part of his life working for the Templars Lodge and has held the position of Chief Templar. Although it must now he thirty-five years since he stopped playing, he can still be seen walking to the Templars Hall almost every day between his working hours. An honest-to-goodness player of the old Ayrshire type.
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Re: Local Sportsmen's Gallery

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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
May 7, 1942

Charlie Nicol

Saltcoats has had many footballers whose names were household words, but none were more often spoken of than Charlie Nicol. He played for several North Ayrshire clubs and for each he always gave of his best. To read of an old football favourite brings back many memories, for Charlie possessed one of the deadliest left foots in Ayrshire. But he was a two-footed player and was at home either on the extreme left or in the centre. A quiet and clean player who relied on his ability to take him through & game; this no doubt added to his popularity. He was the type of player who could pull his team out of a tight corner when least expected, and always a ninety minutes man.

What was the most surprising thing about Charlie was his slight build, and with head or feet he could give that sting to a ball which made every try a danger to goalkeepers. Doesn't follow the game now so much, and his main pastime is now bowling, but his name still stands among the many who made Saltcoats a town of footballers.
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Re: Local Sportsmen's Gallery

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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
June 4, 1943

Jimmy Steel

Over thirty years ago Winton Rovers signed a young player from Troon to fill the left-half position and that player was Jimmy Steel. It didn't take him long to be one of the most popular players in the town. He was by no, means a fast player, but he possessed that craft and cunning which most good half-backs possess and allows them to do as little running as possible. When Rovers were a power around Ayrshire Jimmy was ever present, and home or away his football name could be heard all over the ground that was "stiffy."

It was often said that Jimmy made more good wingers than any other left-half in Ayrshire. As a young man he was quiet, and seldom if ever required a word from the referee and no doubt that added greatly to his popularity. He was a long and faithful player to the Rovers, and like many more famous juniors he now seldom witnesses a game. He still resides in Ardrossan and is on the staff of Ardrossan shipyard where he is just as popular with the men under him and all he comes in contact with.
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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
June 11, 1942

Jacky Robertson

Saltcoats can lay claim to many great football players, among them was "Jakie" Robertson. He was the toughest and cutest player that ever left the Saltpans town. He played with some of the finest players in Scotland and played against others who were outstanding in the game, but they all knew this sturdy little Saltcoats fellow's worth, for he was not only ninety minutes man, but would never admit defeat when it came to getting possession of the ball.

Among his many friends of his playing days is Johnny Hunter, manager of Motherwell, who was then known as "Sailor." Although a lot of water has passed beneath the bridge since "Jakie" played, still, he can still recall with delight the many battles on the football field] when footballers were tough. He has been for many years a business man in Saltcoats, and like a large number of old players he possesses a stationer's shop and as a newsagent he is as well known as he was when playing. His life story as a player would not only make interesting reading. but would reflect great credit on Saltcoats
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Re: Local Sportsmen's Gallery

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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
July 9, 1943

Johnny Young

It is a long time since a wee quiet chap appeared at Winton Park, Ardrossan, to wear the colours of Winton Rovers as a half-back. He was Johnny Young, but better known to the football fans as "Happy." He may have been lacking in height, but he made up for it in guts. Although he played for a long time he did not sever his connection with the club when his playing days were over. He joined the committee and became treasurer a position he held for a long time. Next we find him as groundsman and then trainer.

For round about thirty years he has been playing or acting on behalf of the club. He belong to Waterside or is it Dunaskin ? No matter where he belongs he has proved a faithful man to the Rovers. He is a blacksmith's hammerman and employed with the Harbour Company where he is known to all. "Happy" Young is known throughout Ayrshire both as a player and football official, and all will agree that he has proved a great asset to the game.
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Re: Local Sportsmen's Gallery

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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
July 30, 1943

Jimmy McMinn

As an outside-left Jimmy McMinn had a good football career: With Kilwinning Rangers he was a flyer and possessed a shot that made goalkeepers all hot and bothered. He was well built and very difficult to put off the ball, not only due to his weight but to his ball control. He was so consistent that senior clubs took notice and he turned down many offers. However, Greenock Morton were so keen on the left winger that they were successful in gaining his signature.

During his term with Norton he was a big favourite and the success of the Greenock club could be traced to McMinn's efforts not only as a player, but as a profitable goal scorer. He certainly caused sensation when he first appeared in the Morton', colours. His tricking of experienced players and cantering down the wing brought cheers from the Greenock Morton supporters. After his playing days he was a traveller with a prominent firm and was known throughout the West of Scotland and parts of England. He was called to the coloursand is at present serving with the R.A.F.
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Re: Local Sportsmen's Gallery

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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
July 21, 1944

Hugh Shedden

Few players have kept as fit as Hugh Shedden after being out of the game for years. As a young lad he played as a juvenile with an Ardrossan team and after a time signed for Irvine Meadow. A strong player and a splendid half-back either in defence or attack. Next we find him with Queen of the South playing at the top of his form. Never admitted defeat till the final whistle and this made him the most popular player in Dumfries.

Hughie was just a wholehearted player who always gave of his best. Playing days over he does scouting for Queen of the South and we learn it was he who discovered Geordie Hamilton, the lad playing at inside-right for Meadow. A good Judge of a player and one who was never hasty in making a decision. But he could use a golf club with the best of them, and a game he enjoyed. Also a keen bowler, in fact a good all-round Sportsman, known to most people in the sporting circles and has many friends. But as a footballer he was best known and no doubt when peace is restored to the world Hughie will give many a young player his first start in life as a senior player.
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Re: Local Sportsmen's Gallery

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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
August 4, 1944

John Cairns

We are prepared to believe that Mr John Cairns is one of the most popular football officials ever to have a connection with the Victoria. Quiet likeable man with all his dealings above board. Served as timekeeper on many occasions at Ardrossan Academy sports for his handling of the watch proved it could not be in better hands. His timing and judgment was respected by all for he was such a good sportsman that he gave justice to all.

That is John Cairns, labour officer at one of the I.C.I. factories. He always possesses fine judgment on a footballer and has brought to the Vics many fine players, and his care and consideration for the younger players made him very popular. Such officials are only far too few in the game, for he was one who made the sport a study and the game is all the better for his presence. A bowler and a golfer, in fact, an all round sportsman with a knowledge of most games. Although his business takes him out of town, he still takes a keen interest in the Vics.
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Re: Local Sportsmen's Gallery

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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
May 17, 1944

Joe Rainey

Saltcoats Vies. have had many centre-halfs since they were instituted in 1911-12, but few played as long and faithful for the Vics, as did Joe Rainey. Big and powerful and a full ninety minutes player and one who gave of his best every game. Joe was equally good in attack as he was in defence. His height allowed him to have command over most centre forwards and his positional play was much that he seldom had to run out of position.

For the height and weight he had he was a very clean player, and hard knocks did not force him to lose his good sense of reason. "Big Joe" was the cry of the local supporters in an important game for he was looked on as the general of the team, and in most cases this proved correct. He was a faithful player for Vics. right up to he retired a few years back.

It was surprising he never was picked up by a senior club, for his play was of a class equal to that which got many to the higher circles, but he was one among the many juniors who were overlooked. Joe could play in any position with success but centre-half was his true position. His father was a trainer for years, his eldest brother Willie was right back and his late brother James was a fine centre-forward while his youngest brother Robert was also a fine forward.
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