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
August 20, 1943

Davy Woodside

Saltcoats Victoria has had many fine players since they were instituted in 1911-12, but they have been more famous for half-backs than any other club. Davy Woodside, although long since finished his playing career, went abroad several years ago, still, his powerful half-back play reh mains fresh in the memory of all the old Vics, faithful.

He was a strong player who never eased off during the ninety minutes play, and no matter how strong were the opposition he could always give a good account of himself. Every game was played in earnest by Davy, and head or feet he could prove the master, but it was when the ball was in the air he was best for he seemed to be able to jump that bit extra for a hall and seldom was he beat for a ball in the air. Davy Woodside was a popular player home or away, and he certainly did a lot to uphold that fine half-back play which Saltcoats Vics, were famed for, and he left behind in Saltcoats memories of his sportsmanship.
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Re: Local Sportsmen's Gallery

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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
October 26, 1945

George Higgins

When Dreghorn Juniors were a power in Ayrshire football they reared many fine players. The officials didn't jump about like some officials, they just made their time and got their man. When they signed George Higgins they did a good stroke of business. He was a player that had fine control of the ball and was a source of worry to the opponent's defence. His body swerves provided the spectators with laughter, and applause for its cuteness

George was a hot favourite and a real goal-getter. A 90 minutes man who did more to blend a forward line than any other player. His carpet passes were neat and well-timed. His connection with Dreghorn will long be remembered as one of the players that kept Dreghorn well to the forefront in junior football. It is now many years since he hung up his boots but years do not deceive those who knew his worth.
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Re: Local Sportsmen's Gallery

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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
October 5, 1945

Hugh McMahon

Hugh McMahon as a footballer and golfer can be termed one of Saltcoats successful sportsmen. For years he was right in the forefront as a half-back with Cowdenbeath. First as a junior he hit the high spots and it was no surprise when he fixed up with Cowdenbeath. He proved value for every penny paid for him for he was considered one of the best in Scotland when at his best.

Tall, well-built man with lots of guts and a ninety minutes player. Against some of the best forwards in Scotland he held his own. When his football days were over he paid more attention to his golf and is considered by good judges to be a golfer above the average. A very even-tempered man who can remain silent when the occasion arises and very cool not upset by crowds or excitement. Hugh is one of the many that that has left his mark on the field of sport and a credit to Saltcoats.
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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
August 11, 1944

Jimmy Bryant

When Ardeer Thistle won the Ayrshire Cup in 1925 it was the first time this cup had come to Stevenston and Jimmy Bryant led the attack on that occasion. Jimmy belongs to West Kilbride, but was a hot favourite at Warner Park for he was a player who always gave of his best.

He was of the wirey type and not afraid to go in to the attack. Had fine command of the ball and was as handy with the head as any leader of his day. But his leading out work was clever and could plan an attack at the least expected moment and this brought the old Thistle out of many a tight corner. He was a keen bowler and golfer and possessed a good dog or two and his judgment was as good on the track as it was on the football field. His bowling was good and his golf was pleasing.

Although an all-round sportsman, football brought him before the public more so than any other sport and the fact that he assisted the Thistle to win the Ayrshire Cup for the first time in their history, places him among the great players who brought fame to Stevenston.
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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
July 6, 1945

Jimmy Hood

When war broke out a young Kilwinning lad played right back for Irvine Meadow. He was improving with every game, so much so that one senior manager was convinced he would suit him nicely. But the war arrived and young Hood was called to the colours. It was not surprising he shaped well as a player, for his late father, Jimmy Hood, will be remembered as one of the best backs in Scotland while playing with Kilmarnock seniors.

Curious enough young Jimmy did not like the right-back position and said so to Meadow officials, he wanted to play in the forward line and did play there once or twice, but Meadow officials told the lad he was a back. He then put his mind into it as a back, and he played so well that a certain first league manager watched him regularly and when about to approach the lad he joined the colours. A good player with a fine style.
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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
August 3, 1945

Jimmy Johnstone

Household names in Stevenston were McCulloch, Robb, Duff, Leckie, Hamilton, Auld and Johnstone just to mention a few. They were names that made football in Stevenston a game of brain. Jimmy Johnstone was one among the many who did good work on the playing field.

On the left touch-line his long sweeping strides made him cover the ground with ease and he possessed a deadly left foot. Jimmy had an unusual style in beating an opponent, and his success lay with the fact that he didn't beat his opponent twice the same way in succession. Other fine judges of a player claimed that he crossed a ball that was deadly for every cross was labelled and reached its destination, while others considered his shooting power was deadly. His goal average was always good.
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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
February 26, 1943

John (Fancy) Anderson

Nearly forty years ago a young office boy was playing outside right for Winton Rovers "A" team. He was observed by Renfrew Victoria who signed him and he was included in that team from which nearly every member went senior. Next we find him with Winton Rovers and he had so many tricks that he was now known as "Fancy." At that time he was considered the fastest winger in Ayrshire. He possessed a fine shot for a winger, but he could reverse the play within a minute owing to his speed. While he was being watched by seniors, it was only with difficulty that he could get away from work to play as he was now a clerk with the railway company.

He assisted several senior clubs in charity games at Stevenston, then Glasgow Rangers got on his track through manager Wilton and "Fancy" had to choose between a football career or remain with the railway, so he decided to remain a clerk. Rangers at that time signed Alex. Bennett. We next find Anderson assisting Ardeer Thistle, but he returned to the Rovers where he finished his playing days. He won a song-writing competition, received an autograph photo Sir Harry Lauder for sending him a song, and won two competitions for the best football report.
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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
September 14, 1945

John Faddes

Kilwinning Eglinton had many officials who worked hard to get the team together and often against great odds. For Eglinton had not the support of the local Rangers nor had they so many friends who handed out finance. In spite of all that Eglinton went into the open market and signed players that proved worthy to represent the club. John Faddes was one of that club's officials and even became secretary and was eager to see Eglinton in the forefront. .

At times gates were small but they carried on often as a surprise to their rivals. This was only possible through a hardworking committee and no doubt if they told the story of the rise and fall of the Eglinton it would make very interesting reading. Curiously enough the players were as sincere as the officials and that is where the Eglinton gained over other clubs. They had some bad times, but don't forget they won the Western League Championship.
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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
June 18, 1943

Jimmy McCulloch

When Ardeer Thistle were a power in Ayrshire, there was a player who played right-half named "Jimmock" McCulloch, and a half-back that could place a ball in your hip pocket if he so desired, so accurate was his placing. In a tackle, Jimmy was easy to pick out from the others for he had a small light patch of hair on his head. He certainly was a half-back above the average and one that played to win all the time, and possessed fine height and build and was strong on the tackle.

His long carpet passes up the wing brought many comments and he could have a pop at goal from any angle. Under pressure he never lost that coolness and good judgment which made him the polished player. He could reverse the play at the most unexpected moment, and if the backs were lying too wide he could send a ball up the middle, or if they were lying too close he could send either winger away on · dangerous mission. That is "Jimmock" McCulloch, one of old Ardeer Thistle's famous players now residing in Lanarkshire.
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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
October 19, 1945

John Muir

When Kilwinning Rangers were a power in Ayrshire football circles they produced many fine players and among them was John Muir, right-back. He soon made the grade and was signed by Queen of the South. As a senior he played many fine games. Later when the Dumfries team packed-in due to the war, John got re-instated and signed for Årdeer Recreation.

While not striking his old "Buffs" form, still he proved an asset to the Stevenston club for his experience was valuable among the young players. Since coming to the Rec. he has been injured on two occasions which put him out of the game, but back in his old position and playing with that confidence which brought the seniors to Abbey Park. John is one of the many successful players who got his early training with the Rangers of Kilwinning and that training not only counts for ability but for that club sincerity which means ever so much to a team.
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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
September 7, 1945

Robert McLellan

Few, if any, sporty men in or about Stevenston can say they know, or haven't heard of “Rab" McLellan, for he has been in sport a long time. As a referee he was the boss for he possessed courage and was never afraid to carry out his duties while in charge of a game. Even in debate he was never afraid to express himself for he was fearless in all matters that required straightforward talking and he had it.

Being big and strong he never failed to act if a game was going to be a bit rough and seldom did the players, try to play on his good nature. His opinion of players or games may! not always please but he was straight about it and did not try to shirk a straight question. As president of Ardeer Juvenile tea m he will prove an asset for young players must get that straight from the shoulder advice when they are able to profit from it.
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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
July 20, 1945

John Muir

When Largs Thistle won the Ayrshire Junior Cup in 1922-23 they had at outside-left John Muir, Ardrossan "Speeder" as he was best known. lost an arm on the railway where he was employed and still is. His disability did not impede his progress as a player. Strongly built and possessed a deadly shot whither on the run or a "dead" ball. His speed was an asset as a winger for he could leave the opponents defence yards behind in a sprint for the ball.

Largs Thistle officials and supporters had every confidence in John even when it was ocas? against them, for he could reverse the play in a matter of seconds and on each occasion he made off down his wing his shot or crosses spelt danger to the opposition. Although the loss of the arm made it difficult to keep his balance, still he won through to win an Ayrshire Cup medal when players were tough and clever.
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