I had a message from Gianfranco, who lives in Italy. Together with a colleague, he’s writing a book about famous footballer Joe Jordan who once played with Leeds United, Manchester United and A.C. Milan. However, did you know, Joe once also played with Blantyre Vics?
Born in Clelland in 1951, after leaving school, Joe became an apprentice draughtsman. At age 15 around 1966, he had also begun playing for the Scottish Junior Football Association club, Blantyre Victoria.
After a successful football playing career, he is now a first team coach at Bournemouth.
Some other famous players to have started their careers at Blantyre Vics include: Billy McNeil (later captain and manager of Celtic), Jock Stein (later legendary Celtic Manager), Charlie Johnstone of Motherwell, Dunfermline, Mansfield, Doncaster, Queen of the South and Rangers. Both the grandfathers of Scotland internationals Jonathan Gould (Coventry, Celtic, Preston North End) and Stuart McCall (Everton, Rangers, Bradford City, Sheffield United) also played for the Vics.
Gordon McLean was also a great player for the “Vics” back in the 1950s and was regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the Scottish game and even played three times for Motherwell until a knee injury forced him to retire at an early age despite interest from East Stirlingshire and Newcastle United.
Vics most capped player was Tommy Coghill. Most appearances went to John McGurk and Most Goals was by Donnie McLean.
Who remembers Joe Jordan playing at Vics then?