This fantastic photo, actually a postcard, is of Blantyre Caledonian Football Club. According to my notes Blantyre Caledonian were formed in 1916 whilst Blantyre Vics stood down temporarily in mid war.
Hy fellow history colleague Gordon Cook shared the photo commenting, “They were formed in 1916, although I think there was a Blantyre Caledonian team playing around 1902 onwards if memory serves. I think these guys were probably young miners, maybe from Baird’s Rows and the Rosendale area. The cup final was against Parkhead White Rose and was played at the old Cathkin Park, home of Third Lanark F.C. The game kicked off on Saturday the 7th of July 1917 at 4 p.m. and it was 6d to get in (2½ pence) boys and O.A.P.s usually had their own gate which was cheaper.
The cup was officially handed to the club at a social evening in Blantyre, this is from the Hamilton Advertiser on the 18th of August :
“A large gathering of the supporters of the Caley Football Club met in a social capacity last Friday night, for the purpose of witnessing the presentation of the Scottish Juvenile Cup, which was recently won by the Blantyre Caley. Mr Robert Thom, cashier, Bothwell Collieries, presided. After tea, songs were given by Messrs David Pender, Peter Davis, David Henderson, and Joe Park (manager Craighead Colliery). At an interval, Mr Barr, of the Juvenile Association, handed over the cup to Mr John Cook, the trainer, and he complimented the Caley on winning the cup. Their carrying off the trophy, he said, was indeed a most creditable performance, seeing that the Caley had only been in existence for one year. Mr Cook suitably replied, remarking that he was pleased his boys had brought the cup to Blantyre.”
The team was : James McCue (trainer), P. Dawes (treasurer) J. McKendrick, J. McGregor, W. McGowan, R. Livingston, H. Murray, J. Gibson, P. Melon (Secretary)
- Donachie, T. Lindsay, D. Robbie, H. Cunningham, W. Daly, John Cook (Trainer) Mr Trail (Linesman)
- BLANTYRE, CALY. F.C. WINNERS OF SCOTTISH JUVENILE CUP 1917
