In the 1892/1893 season, Blantyre saw the rise of football with the successful establishment of Blantyre Victoria, alongside two lesser-known teams: Blantyre Bellsfield and Blantyre Brigade. Football was a crucial part of local identity and community for young boys, offering hope and a much-needed escape from industrial hardships.
I was recently contacted by US reader, Michael-Lee “Lee” O’Brien Brockhouse, who told me he had acquired this medal and wondered if anybody knew more. A medal from 1921, this is over 100 years old and the organisation is the Lanarkshire Juvenile Football Association awarding to Blantyre Amateur Football Club member, ‘R.Heggieson’ The ‘R’ may […]
A few other Blantyre stories of events which were happening in April 1896, some 127 years ago. Miners were worried about the lack of coal being extracted and a downturn in work. Though they were still kept on in employment, wagons stood empty in some collieries, where they had once been queued full. In one […]
This photo has been shared with Blantyre Project. Trying to find out what date it is and the name of the team. Does anybody know the pupils or the teacher on the right? The big guy in the far left was James (Jim) Brown, the grandfather of Jay B who shared the photo. His parents […]
Going back 66 years now, back to 1956 and to High Blantyre. This is the 1956 High Blantyre School Football team. The ball has the words, “League Champions 1956” along with a marvellous shield prize below. The boys team look well kitted out with decent strips and boots. Headmaster Davie Crawford stands at the left, […]
Another new photo for you. Staying with High Blantyre School on Hunthill Road with this post. This is the 1960s and pictured is the Boys Football Team. I recognise Headmaster Davie Crawford in the middle of the photo and to the left, the football coach, I had heard was Craig Brown (who would later become […]
On Saturday 2nd April 1910, an International football match between Scotland and England took place at Hampden , Glasgow. This particular match however, raised significant interest around Blantyre in particular, for the Scottish Goalkeeper was none other than local man James Brownlie, then aged 24. There was no shortage of football fans eager to set […]