History of the Caledonian League from 25th Anniversary booklet
INTRODUCTION
The Caledonian League was the brain child of the late W. Douglas Smith of Drumchapel Amateurs. Douglas was a true football enthusiast. He had a great love of football, particularly the amateur game. Douglas often felt that more should be done to improve the status of amateur football. He was frustrated by the standard of football pitches and the facilities available to most sides, particularly in the West of Scotland: Council pitches were barely of minimum dimensions with lines furrowed out with lime and often with a surface of black ash or red blaize. Often the washing facilities very poor and sometimes there was no lighting in the dressing rooms, except through an open door. Douglas tackled local authorities to try and get them to upgrade their football pitches and facilities but had little success - even although his own club, Drumchapel Amateurs, had brought many honours and benefits to the City of Glasgow and to Scottish Football as a whole.
In the late nineteen seventies and early eighties ideas were being promoted elsewhere for a pyramid league system that would allow the best sides, throughout Scotland, to compete against each other. These sides would play in a league or division with the bottom clubs being relegated to lower leagues or divisions. New sides would be promoted to the top league or division. Below the top league or leagues a pyramid system would fall into place and clubs would find their own level of competence.
Douglas embraced these ideas with enthusiasm and vigour, but added additional criteria: that the playing surfaces, facilities and the administration and organisation of promoted clubs should meet a specified standard. However, he realised that it would be impracticable to bring these all of changes in at one at one time. He foresaw that pressures from existing leagues to argue their case to be at the top of the pyramid would be so intense that no progress would be made in attaining his vision.
The only solution to the problem would be to start again. Douglas took the bull by the horns. He set up a series of meetings with clubs “of proven ability, with good playing surfaces and suitable facilities to offer hospitality to their opponents after the games”. “Proven ability”, meant clubs that consistently reached the latter stages of the Scottish and District cups and usually competed at, or near, the top of the highest division of their own league. These meetings were held in the North British Hotel in Glasgow. The clubs that Douglas invited to the meetings were clubs that met, or came near to meeting the criteria. Those which who attended were Anchor; Babcock & Wilcox; Bannockburn; Barr & Stroud; Bellaire; Cambusbarron Rovers; Colville Park; Cumbernauld Thistle; Drumchapel Amateurs; Giffnock North; Glasgow University; Jordanhill College; Muirend Amateurs; Queen’s Park; St. Mungo’s F.P.; Stirling University; Strathclyde Police; Viewfield Rovers; Weir Recreation and Westerlands.
Other clubs had made representations to join the League, even before the League had come into existence, including Stanley, Knightswood and Cardross Rock. Eventually sixteen of these clubs agreed to become part of the Caledonian League
A constitution needed to be in place. This was hammered out by a small committee formed for that purpose. Douglas Smith, Drumchapel Amateurs, Willie Turner, Viewfield Rovers, Wallace Whiteford, Giffnock North and Roy Small of Jordanhill College met at the College. A review committee, led by Alan Gordon, was also put in place to ensure the constitution would meet the full requirements of the fledgling League and the Scottish Amateur Football Association. The combined effort was presented to a meeting of the clubs and, with some other minor amendments, was sent off by Drummond Wilson, who was acting as Secretary, for approval of the Association along with the application for membership. Membership was granted in due course but the Constitution required some minor adjustments. As the original Constitution had been agreed at the first Annual General Meeting the League members had to approve the amendments requested by the S.A.F.A.
One of the matters discussed by the clubs before the League got under way was the question of how many teams should be in a league, so that sides would not be burdened with too many games at the end of any season when they had good runs in the National and District cups. Once it was known that sixteen sides would be participating, it was agreed that there would be two sections of eight. Both of the sections would be of equal standing and would be identified, not by number or letter, but by colour: Red and Black. The winners of each section would be joint League Champions. The sides were drawn as follows:
Red Section Black Section
Barr & Stroud Anchor Amateurs
Drumchapel Amateurs Bannockburn Amateurs
Giffnock North Cambusbarron Rovers
Jordanhill College Glasgow University
Stirling University Muirend Amateurs
Strathclyde Police Queens Park Hampden XI
Viewfield Rovers St. Mungo’s F.P.
Westerlands Ams. Weir Recreation
Before the League got under way Anchor Amateurs lost the use of their ground and the club became defunct. They were replaces by another Renfrewshire side, Stanley. They joined the other fifteen sides as the Founder Members of the Caledonian League.
Other matters that had to be resolved were the problems of being able to obtain referees and the possibility of using neutral linesmen, probably by using referees who were under training. There was also discussion about sponsorship. Most of these matters were resolved before the Inaugural Annual General Meeting took place.
There was considerable discussion about the question of the League Fixtures. It was agreed that they should be issued for the season and this was done. The impact of postponements due to weather and National and District cup replays meant the experiment was not repeated.
INTERNAL MATTERS
The administration
Every week there are around four hundred and fifty players involved in matches organised by the Caledonian League. Some one hundred plus club officials are also involved. Every League needs a structure. Therefore, we have a group of office bearers with specific responsibilities. Members of an Executive Committee ensure that the League is well run.
Over our 25 years the League have been fortunate in the choice of office bearers and executive members.
The Office Bearers were Willie Turner (Viewfield Rovers) President; Alan Gordon (Barr & Stroud) Vice- President; Drummond Wilson (Neutral) Secretary; George Steel (Neutral) Match Secretary; Tony Heffron (St Mungo’s F.P.) Treasurer. Committee Members were Wallace Whiteford (Giffnock North); Douglas Smith (Drumchapel Amateurs) and Angus Ross (Weir Recreation).
At the end of the season George Steel, the first Match Secretary resigned because of his other commitments. Gerry Herriot was in place to give the League an innovative approach to the office. He produced a comprehensive report each month, giving full details of all matches played in the League. This included League Tables and results of all cup games and the results most of the National and District competitions. He also introduced a results service on the evening of matches being played and on a Sunday evening the fixtures were on the answering machine. The Executive Committee was bolstered by the addition of Gary Grahamslaw (Cambusbarron Rovers) and Tom Hood (Morriston YMCA). Angus Ross had resigned from Weir Recreation and as a result had stopped attending Executive meetings.
In season four Willie Turner stood down as President of the League and handed over the reins to Alan Gordon. Douglas Smith was adopted unanimously as Vice President. Drummond Wilson indicated that he would be willing to continue as Secretary, but asked that someone else act as Minute Secretary. John Baird took over these duties. Jim Nelson of Weir Recreation joined the Executive Committee to replace Douglas Smith. In season five John McCormick (Coatbridge CC.) took over from Gary Grahamslaw, who had decided to stand down from the Executive Commit
In season six Drummond Wilson stood down as Secretary. Jim Nelson replaced Drummond as Secretary. Iain Cargill (Strathclyde Police) and Charlie McCrea (Rhu) Joined the Executive Committee. It had been a hard time for football administrators: Tom Hood, Kenny Lindsay and Jim Jeffrys had taken heart attacks in season five. Unfortunately, before the season had got under way Charlie McCrea died.
In season seven Alan Gordon had served his term of office and Douglas Smith assumed the Presidency. Wallace Whiteford became Vice President. Bill Twaddle (Morriston YMCA.), Tom Young (Bannockburn) and Martin Noble (Liberton Cropley) joined the Executive Committee. Iain Cowden became the Referees’ Representative.
In season ten Douglas Smith ended his term of office and Wallace Whiteford took on the mantle of President with Bill Twaddle as Vice President. Tom Young resigned from the Executive Committee. The new members of the Executive Committee were John Kerr (Dalziel), Terry Harding (Barr & Stroud) and Donnie Cartwright (Weir Recreation). In season twelve Jim Nelson was succeeded as Secretary by Kenny Lindsay (Strathclyde Police). Martin Noble had resigned and Tom Allison (Lothian Thistle) filled the vacancy on the Executive Committee.
In season thirteen Wallace Whiteford completed his term as President and handed over to Bill Twaddle. Tony Heffron became Vice President, but continued as Treasurer. Donnie Cartwright became Discipline Secretary, a position he had been carrying out for part of the previous season. John Pollock (Morriston YMCA.) joined the Executive Committee. Donnie Cartwright then stepped down and Terry Harding was took over as Disciple Secretary. John Baird stood down as Minute Secretary and John McCabe took on the duty. Willie Randall (Links United) joined the Executive Committee. In season fifteen Donnie Cartwright had stepped down and Terry Harding was now the Disciple Secretary. John Baird stood down as Minute Secretary and John McCabe took on the duty. Willie Randall of Links United joined the Executive Committee.
In season sixteen Bill Twaddle stood down as President and Tony Heffron took over Presidency with Gerry Herriot now Vice President. Tony and Gerry Continued as Treasurer and Match Secretary and there was no change to the other Office Bearers. Iain Cargill stood down from the Executive Committee and David Morrison (Westerlands) and Jim Wood (Drumchapel) joined the Committee. In season eighteen Gerry Herriot stood down as Vice President and Match Secretary because of his business commitments. Drummond Wilson was elected as Vice President and Iain Cowden was elected as Match Secretary. Gerry had done an excellent job for the League and set a standard that would be difficult to emulate. There were no other changes to Office Bearers or Executive Committee. Iain took on the job of Match Secretary with enthusiasm and added his own stamp to the job without changing the good things that Gerry had introduced.
In season nineteen Tony Heffron handed the Presidency back to Bill Twaddle. Drummond Wilson had declined the opportunity to become President because of other commitments. Les Goodfellow felt that he did not have the experience to step in as President and asked the League members if it would be acceptable for Bill to take the reins for a year. This was unanimously agreed.
In season twenty Bill Twaddle stood down as President and Les Goodfellow took on the office with Willie Randall as Vice President. The other Office Bearers remained the same. Ron Brown (East Kilbride YMCA) joined the Executive Committee.
In season twenty three Les Goodfellow handed over the Presidency to Willie Randall (Links United) and Iain Cowden was the new Vice President, and he combined the post with Match Secretary. Graham Bell (Glasgow Harp) and Ian Sommerville (Doune Castle) joined the Executive Committee and David Morrison and Ron Brown stood down. Willie Randall was now into his second term as President and there was no change to the Office Bearers or the Executive Committee. With the introduction of registration of players Graham Bell took on the work for it. Willie Randall is now into his final term as President. Graham Bell has assumed the duty of Registration/Disciple Secretary, with Terry Harding standing down. Lindsay Wallace (Weir Recreation) has joined the Executive Committee.
The League Championship
In1983/84 the League went ahead with the two sections of eight clubs of equal standing. Drumchapel won the Red Section and Queens Park won the Black Section. The sides were declared “Joint Champions”. Drumchapel won their Section by seven clear points from Barr and Stroud and Queens Park had a one-point margin over Stanley.
Season 1984/85 got under way with four new sides in the League - Bo’ness Amateurs, Coatbridge CC. Morriston YMCA and Pencaitland. The League now had two distinct divisions with promotion and relegation. In Division 1 Bannockburn took the League Championship on goal difference from Drumchapel. Viewfield Rovers and Giffnock North were relegated. Giffnock North lost out on goal difference to Queens Park. Pencaitland won Division 2, two points ahead of Bo’ness.
In season 1985/86 Muirend won the League Championship, two points ahead of Bannockburn. Barr & Stroud and Strathclyde Police were relegated, but there were only three points between the four bottom clubs. Viewfield Rovers and Coatbridge C.C. gained promotion to Division 1.
In season 1986/87 Pencaitland resigned from the League to Join the East of Scotland League and Division 2 went ahead with nine sides. Stanley finished eight points clear of the runners-up, Bannockburn. Queens Park and Jordanhill College were relegated. In Division 2 Strathclyde Police took the Championship, two points ahead of Giffnock North and Barr & Stroud. Giffnock North were runners-up because of their superior goal difference.
In season 1987/88 Symington Tinto joined the League. Before the League got under way Jordanhill College resigned and Rhu Amateurs came into the League at short notice. Stanley took the title for the second time, with Bannockburn two points behind. Coatbridge and Bo’ness were relegated to Division 2. Queens Park and Barr & Stroud were the promoted sides, Barr & Stroud finishing one point behind the Division 2 winners.
In season 1988/89 Milngavie Wanderers and Liberton Cropley joined the League, giving a Division 1 of ten sides and a Division 2 of 12 teams. Queens Park took the Championship, three points clear of Bannockburn. Viewfield Rovers and Cambusbarron Rovers were relegated. Liberton Cropley, as champions, and Coatbridge CC were promoted.
In season 1989/90 Liberton Cropley claimed the Championship at their first attempt, with Stanley four points behind the winner. Giffnock North and Muirend were relegated to Division 2. A decision had been taken at the beginning of the season that the League would go to two divisions of twelve. The four sides promoted to Division 1 were Morriston YMCA, who won the League, Rhu the runner-up, Cambusbarron and Bo’ness.
In season 1990/91 Dalziel HSFP and Milton Amateurs joined the League. The Championship was won by Stanley for the third time with Coatbridge CC. two points behind the winner. Morriston YMCA. were relegated, but we would have to wait till the start of the new season to find out if Queens Park or Bo’ness were to be relegated. The Hampden side had an outstanding game to play against Bannockburn that could not be played till the start of the new season. As it turned out, Queens Park beat Bannockburn 3-0 and Bo’ness joined Morriston as the second relegated club. In Division 2 Milngavie Wanderers were the winners, finishing six points clear of Dalziel and Viewfield Rovers. Dalziel were promoted with Milngavie Wanderers on account of their better goal difference.
In season 1991/92 Lothian Thistle joined the League, giving the League a Division 1 of twelve sides and a Division 2 of thirteen sides. The Championship was won by Dalziel HSFP, eight points ahead of the runner-up, Milngavie Wanderers. Strathclyde Police were relegated along with Drumchapel. They had finished on the same points total as Bannockburn, but the Stirlingshire side had a better goal difference. In Division 2, Lothian Thistle finished two points clear of Morriston YMCA. Both sides were promoted.
In season 1992/93 Milngavie Wanderers took the Championship, four points clear of Dalziel, reversing their league positions of the previous season. Rhu and Morriston were the relegated clubs. Viewfield and Drumchapel won promotion from Division 2; the Renfrewshire club finished five points clear of the runner-up, Drumchapel.
In season 1993/94 the League still consisted of one division of twelve sides and the other thirteen. In Division 1 Dalziel and Queens Park finished the season with equal points and with equal goal difference. Dalziel won the title with a better scoring record - three goals more than the Hampden side - giving the Motherwell side their second title. Lothian Thistle and Barr & Stroud were relegated. In Division 2 Muirend won the title and promotion five points clear of Milton, the other promoted club.
In season 1994/95 Queens Park unexpectedly resigned from the League. Barr & Stroud had now changed their name to Netherton as the company from which they had taken their name had been sold and the team had no connection with the new owners. The League had reverted two leagues of twelve. The Championship was won by Dalziel, without losing a game, to take the title for the third time. Viewfield and Cambusbarron were relegated. Strathclyde Police won Division 2, with Westerlands runner up.
In season 1995/96 Lothian Thistle resigned from the League. Liberton Cropley were expelled for infringing league rules. East Kilbride YMCA. and Links United joined. Dalziel took Championship for the fourth time and the third time in succession, five points ahead of the runner-up, Coatbridge CC. Milngavie and Muirend were relegated. East Kilbride won Division 2, three points ahead of Netherton and both teams were promoted.
In season 1996/97 Bannockburn took the Championship for the second time and Coatbridge CC were the runner-up one point behind the winner. Westerlands and Stirling University were relegated. Giffnock North won Division 2 ten points ahead of the runner-up, St. Mungo’s FP. and both clubs were promoted.
In season 1997/98 the Championship was won by Dalziel HSFP, for a fifth time, eight points ahead of Stanley. St. Mungo’s FP And Netherton were relegated to Division 2. Links United and Symington Tinto were promoted. Links were four points ahead of Symington. They had finished with the same number of points as Glasgow University but had one goal better of a goal difference.
In season 1998/99 Stanley lost the use of their ground and resigned from the League. Dumbarton Academy FP. joined. The Championship was won by Milton, nine points clear of their neighbours, Bannockburn. Giffnock North and Symington Tinto were relegated. The promoted teams were Westerlands and Dumbarton Academy FP.
In season 1999/2000 Morriston resigned. Hamilton Academy FP. joined the League. Bannockburn won the Championship, for the third time, three points ahead of Drumchapel. Strathclyde Police and East Kilbride were relegated. Netherton and Milngavie Wanderers were promoted
In season 2000/01 Bannockburn won the Championship for the fourth time, eight points of clear of Dalziel. The relegated sides were Coatbridge CC. and Links United. Viewfield and Muirend were the promoted sides.
In season 2001/02 the Championship was won by Drumchapel, for the second time, thirteen points clear of Milton. Westerlands and Cambusbarron were the relegated teams. Coatbridge CC and Strathclyde Police were promoted.
In season 2002/03 the Championship was won by Netherton five points clear of Bannockburn. Strathclyde Police and Glasgow University were relegated. Balmore won Division 2, again with a five point lead over the runner-up, St. Mungo’s.
In season 2003/04 the Championship was won by Coatbridge CC, with the same points total as Dumbarton Academy. Coatbridge had a one goal better goal difference. Milton and St. Mungo’s were relegated to Division 2. Giffnock North and Glasgow Harp had a play-off for Division 2 winners. Glasgow Harp won 2-1. Both sides were promoted to Division 1 and the best-placed teams in the two lower divisions would become a new Division 2 with the other sides going into a new Division 3.
In season 2004/05 the Trophy Centre Premier Division, Bannockburn won the title, for the fifth time, one point ahead of the runner-up, Drumchapel. Balmore and Giffnock North were relegated. In Division 1 St. Mungo’s and Doune Castle won promotion to the top division, with the “Mungo” taking the title four points clear of the runners-up. Milton and Westerlands were relegated to Division 3. Muirend and Links were the promoted clubs to Division 2, with Muirend taking the title five points clear of their rival.
In season 2005/06 the Trophy Centre Premier League Dumbarton Academy won the title, two points clear of Dalziel. Viewfield Rovers and St. Mungo’s FP. were relegated. Balmore and East Kilbride YMCA. were promoted to the Premier Division from Division 1, and Weir Recreation and Rhu Am. were relegated. Milton and Strathclyde University were promoted out of Division 2.
In season 2006/07 the Trophy Centre Premier League was won by Dalziel HSFP. six points clear of Bannockburn. Netherton and Viewfield Rovers were relegated. In Division 1 was won by Milton two points ahead of East Kilbride and both clubs were promoted. Coatbridge CC. and Muirend were relegated to Division 2. Newton Mearns Rovers won the division seven points clear of Bearsden Am. and both clubs were promoted.
Season 2007/08 will be resolved in due course, but we will be without Coatbridge CC, who have resigned from the League.
The Queens Park Challenge Trophy
The Queens Park Challenge Trophy was presented to the League by Queens Park F.C and was the first cup that the League had. It was intended to be used for the League Championship but it was decided that it would be used as the premier cup competition of the Caledonian League.
In the first season (1983/84) the trophy was won by Strathclyde Police by the odd goal in three against the Hampden side that presented the trophy to the League in the first place.
In season 1984/85 semi-finals, Coatbridge C.C. beat Barr & Stroud by the only goal in the game and Bo’ness defeated Cambusbarron by the same score. In the final Coatbridge beat Bo’ness by the odd goal in five.
Season 1985/86 saw Giffnock North, Muirend, Stanley and Viewfield Rovers reached the semi-final stages. It was left to the local rivals Giffnock North and Muirend to contest the final that ended in a two each draw after extra time. Giffnock North won 4-2 on penalty kicks, thus thwarting their near neighbours, Muirend, from gaining the treble of League competitions
In season 1986/87 the trophy was won by Strathclyde Police, for the second time, beating Bannockburn in the final. Bannockburn had beaten Coatbridge C.C. in their semi-final tie. Strathclyde Police had a walk over in their tie against Queens Park and because the semi-final would be played after May 15th, the close of the S.F.A. season. The Hampden side were obliged to withdraw and concede the trophy they had presented to the League.
In the season 1987/88 semi-finals, Stanley beat Symington Tinto convincingly and Viewfield beat Barr & Stroud 4-2 on penalties after the game finished 3-3 after extra time. Stanley won the trophy beating the Rovers by the only goal in the game. Stanley had done the double of the League Championship and the Challenge Trophy and at they avenged their defeat at the hands of their Renfrewshire rivals in the final of the League Cup.
In season 1988/89 semi-finals Muirend beat Barr & Stroud 2-1 and Viewfield Rovers beat Cambusbarron 7-3. In the final Viewfield Rovers beat Muirend by the odd goal in five.
In season 1989/90 semi-finals Milngavie Wanderers won 4-2 against Weir Recreation and Liberton Cropley beat Drumchapel Amateurs 3-1. In the final the score was 2-2 after extra time and Milngavie beat Cropley 4-3 on penalty kicks.
Season 1990/91 semi-finals saw Coatbridge CC. beat St. Mungo’s FP. 3-1 and Bannockburn overcame Stanley in a penalty shoot-out 3-2, after a 2-2 draw after extra time. In the final Bannockburn ran out 4-2 winners against Coatbridge.
In season 1991/92 semi-finals Lothian Thistle had a convincing win against Milton and Dalziel got through 4-3 on penalty kicks after their match with Stanley ended 1-1 after extra time. Lothian won the trophy by the only goal of the game against Dalziel HSFP.
Season 1992/93 saw Dalziel beat Bannockburn 3-0 and Barr & Stroud beat Liberton Cropley 3-1 in the semi-final. In the final Dalziel won the match with a last minute goal, winning 2-1.
In season 1993/94 Lothian Thistle came through 3-2 on penalty kicks against Dalziel HSFP after the game ended 0-0 in extra time and Stanley beat Liberton Cropley 4-3. In the final Lothian won the trophy, for the second time and consolation for being relegated, against Stanley. The game went to another penalty shoot-out and again the Edinburgh side, winning 4-3 in extra time a 1-1 draw.
Season 1994/95 Dalziel were also the winners of the trophy for the second time, defeating Bo’ness 3-0 in the final.
The season’s 1995/96 semi-finals, Bannockburn had a 3-0 win against East Kilbride and Netherton beat Milngavie by the odd goal in nine. In the final Bannockburn won the trophy for the second time, beating Netherton 2-1.
In season 1996/97 Milngavie Wanderers beat Drumchapel 3-1 in the semi-final and in the other game Coatbridge CC beat Bannockburn by the odd goal in five. The Wanderers beat Lanarkshire the side 2-0 in an exciting final.
In season 1997/98 the semi-finalists were East Kilbride YMCA. who won 5-4 on penalty kicks against Viewfield Rovers after the game finished 1-1 after extra time, and Milton who won by the only goal in the game against Rhu.. The final finished 2-2 after extra time but the YM lifted the trophy 4-3 on penalty kicks.
Season 1998/99 saw Bannockburn lift the trophy, for the third time, with Milton the runner-up.
In season 1999/2000 Dalziel also picked up the trophy for the third time also, with Westerlands the runner-up.
In season 2000/01 the victors were Milton, defeating Drumchapel 3-0 on penalty kicks after the game finished 1-1 after extra time. In the semi-finals Milton needed penalty kicks to beat Glasgow University after the game had ended 0-0 after extra time. In the other match Drumchapel beat Giffnock North 2-0.
The season 2001/02 semi-final draw brought the title holder, Milton, against the previous holder, Dalziel. The Lanarkshire side defeated the Stirlingshire side by the only goal in the game. In the other game Weir Recreation won 3-2 against Symington. In the final Weirs lost 1-2 to Dalziel and the Motherwell side had their name engraved on the trophy for the fourth time.
In season 2002/03 Dalziel lost in the semi-finals by the only goal of the game to Giffnock North and Balmore won 4-3 on penalty kicks after their game against Glasgow University ended in a 1-1 draw. In the final Balmore collected the trophy, beating Giffnock convincingly 6-1.
Season 2003/04 gave us another new name on the trophy when Glasgow Harp beat Milngavie Wanderers 4-2 after extra time.
Season 2004/05 saw Dalziel collect the trophy for a record fifth time, defeating Links United 3-1 in the final.
Season 2005/06 gave us yet another new name on the trophy, with Strathclyde University defeating Netherton 3-1 in the final.
Season 2006/07 Balmore collected the trophy for the second time beating Doune Castle 5-0.
In the current season we hope we will see another new name on the Queens Park Challenge Trophy.
The League Cup
Traditionally The League Cup is the starting competition for the Caledonian League so that sides can settle in at the beginning of the season and clubs can get their players back from extended holidays. The first sponsor of the cup was Wilson Dairies of Lochwinnoch and it was called the Milk Cup. Later by Sports Connections were sponsors and the Trophy Centre supported and sponsored the competition right up till they became sponsors of the League. The cup was renamed The Douglas Smith League Cup, in memory of the person who was the driving force behind the foundation of the league. Michael Canning, a former Drumchapel player, now sponsors the competition.
The first winner of the competition, in season 1983/84, was Cambusbarron Rovers who beat Muirend in the final
In the semi-finals of season 1984/85 Muirend beat Stanley and Queens Park beat Bo’ness. In the final the score was 2-2 after extra time and Muirend won 4-2 on penalty kicks, with Queens Park being the runner-up.
In season 1985/86 the semi-finalists were Muirend who beat Pencaitland and Bannockburn beat Coatbridge C.C. on penalty kicks. Muirend won the trophy for the second time, defeating Bannockburn in the final 2 -1.
The semi-finals of 1986/87 saw Morriston beat Weirs 2-1 after extra time and Bannockburn beat Strathclyde Police by the only goal in the game, but in the final Bannockburn were convincing winners, beating Morriston 4-1.
Season 1987/88 the semi-finalists were Viewfield who needed extra time to beat Strathclyde Police and Stanley beat Coatbridge C.C. In the final Stanley, who had scored 30 goals in the competition lost 3-0 to Viewfield who had scored 13 goals (excluding the 4 goals in their penalty shoot-out in the quarter-finals).
The teams that reached the semi-final in 1988/89 were Bannockburn who beat Coatbridge 2-1 and Strathclyde Police who beat Cambusbarron 3-1 in the other semi. The Police beat Bannockburn 2-1 in the final.
In 1989/90 the semi-final winners were, Coatbridge who lost to Drumchapel and St Mungo’s also lost to Viewfield. Drumchapel took the Cup with a 3-0 win.
In the semi-finals of season 1990/91 Queens Park beat Liberton Cropley and Stanley beat Drumchapel. Both scores were 1-0. In the final Queens Park won 3-2 against Stanley.
The sides that reached the semi-final stages in season 1991/2 were Viewfield Rovers who lost 2-1 to their Renfrewshire rivals Stanley and Cambusbarron Rovers who also lost 5-4 in extra time to Coatbridge CC. The final also went to extra time and eventually Stanley, who had lost in three previous finals of the competition, collected the trophy with a 3-2 win against Coatbridge.
To try and cut down the number of games that being played, it was decided to run a competition for Division 1 teams and another for Division 2 sides in season 1992/93. In the Division 1 final Bannockburn beat their local rivals Cambusbarron by the odd goal in three. In the Division 2 final Westerlands beat the Police by the only goal in the game.
In the semi-finals of 1993/94 Queens Park beat Liberton Cropley 3-1 and Milngavie Wanderers beat Weir Recreation 4-2. In the final the Wanderers defeated the Hampden side by the odd goal in three.
In season 1994/5 Milton and Cropley met in the final and Liberton Cropley were the winners.
The semi-finalists in season 1995/96 were Morriston, who lost 5-0 to Dalziel and Bo’ness, who won 5-4 on penalties against Netherton after the game finished 1-1 after extra time. In the final, Dalziel won 3-0 against the West Lothian side.
In season 1996/97, Dalziel HSFP. defeated Viewfield Rovers by the only goal in the game. Milton had a 6-3 win over Rhu. In the final Milton won 5-2 against Dalziel.
The sides that reached the semi-final in season 1997/98 were Drumchapel who won 2-0 against Netherton and Stanley who won 5-2 against Bannockburn. In the final Drumchapel beat Stanley 4-3 on penalty kicks after the game ended 1-1 after extra time, to capture the cup for the second time
In season 1998/99 the cup was won by Dalziel with Milton runner-up.
The cup was won in season 1999/2000 by Drumchapel, for the third time, with the runner-up being Dalziel.
In the 2000/01 final and Dalziel won the cup for the second time, defeating Drumchapel 2-1.
The winner of the 2001/02 final was Cambusbarron Rovers who won against Viewfield Rovers on a pouring wet night at Lochburn Park, Maryhill.
The cup was won by Milton, for the second time, in season 2002/03 and Drumchapel was the runner up.
In season 2003/04 Drumchapel, for the fourth time, won the cup 2-1 in extra time with Netherton the runner-up.
Bannockburn won the cup, the third time in season 2004/05, beating Balmore by the only goal of the game
Cambusbarron won the cup for the third time, in season 2005/06, defeating Giffnock North 2-1 in extra time of the final.
In season 2006/07 Glasgow Harp added their name to the cup, by winning 2-1 against Strathclyde University in the final.
In the current season we hope we will see another new name on the on the Douglas Smith League Cup.
The Drummond Wilson Good Conduct Trophy
Drummond Wilson resigned from the duty of League Secretary at the end of season 1987/88. At that time he presented a trophy to the League to be awarded to the side with the best disciplinary record.
The first winner in season1988/89 was Stirling University and they have won it seven other times since. Glasgow University won the trophy won it the following season and they too have won it five more times. In the following season again, 1990/91 Dalziel won the award. The other clubs that have the distinction of having the best discipline in a season are Lothian Thistle in 1993/94 and Westerlands the following season.
People
Many names should be recorded here but lack of space restricts us to mention two people; we could have a book about some of the others. Tony Heffron has been shown as Treasurer from the in the first handbook of the League, and it still appears. The other person of note is Gary Grahamslaw who has been shown as Secretary of Cambusbarron Rovers in every handbook. Both of these people have been stalwarts in other duties for the League. We should think about the many people who give their time freely, helping hundreds of people enjoy playing the game. Every club in the League has a backbone of people that give of their time, and often it is not acknowledged. Much more space than we have available would be needed to tell their tales
Referees
No game could go on without our referees. Again we usually compare the standard of refereeing in the League with the referees we come across in national and district cups, and we often here it said that we don’t know how lucky we are to have such good referees. Down the years we have had some referees that have now retired and some that have moved on to higher things - and we are again restricted by space to name them, except Iain Cowden.
EXTERNAL MATTERS
Administration
The League takes a great interest in the administration of the Scottish Amateur Football Association, and this is reflected in the number of people that have held office within the Association. For such a small League we have provided three Presidents: Alan Gordon (Barr & Stroud), George Wilson (Milngavie Wanderers) and the present incumbent of the post is Angus Mackay of Symington Tinto. Several of our members have served on District Committees, on the Finance and Executive Committee, Appeals Committee, International Committee, General Purposes Committee and the Review Committee. As well as this several members are Life Members of the Association
The Scottish Amateur Cup
The League tends to punch above our weight in the national tournament, but in the first season of the League none of the sixteen clubs came through to the latter stages. In season 1984/85 Bannockburn lost 2-1 to Drongan United. In season 1985/86 three of the four semi-finalists were members of the League. Barr & Stroud beat Tayport 3-1 and Coatbridge beat Bannockburn 3-0. In the final CC. beat the Stroud 2-1. In season 1986/87 Bannockburn were the only side in the League to get to the semi-finals where they beat Liberton Cropley 2-1 and went onto win the cup by beating Motherwell Miners 2-1.
In season 1987/88 Barr & Stroud and Coatbridge CC. reached the semi-finals, and the Stroud lost 3-1 to Greenock HSFP. and CC. beat Stewarton Thistle. Coatbridge beat Greenock 4-1 in the final. That season saw the League with five of the quarter-finalists, Giffnock North, Muirend and Stanley were the ones that did not reach the semi-finals. In the next season (1988/89) Stanley were the side to get through to the final, losing out to the odd goal in three to Knightswood.. Strathclyde Police and Weir Recreation fell at the quarter-finals in the competition. The following season (1989/90), Stanley were the sole representative of the League to reach the final and this time they lost out to Dumbarton St. Patricks FP. by the only goal in the game. This time it was Milton that fell in the quarter-finals.
The League had five quarter-finalists again in season 1990/91; Barr & Stroud, Cambusbarron, Drumchapel, Milngavie and Bannockburn, which was the only side to get through the round. In the final they beat Blantyre Thistle 3-1. In season 1991/92, Cambusbarron and Milngavie fell at the quarter-final, but Viewfield had a good 3-1 win over Knockentiber in the semi-final before losing in the final to the other Ayrshire side Heathside. Again, in the following season (1992/93) we had three sides in the quarter final, Bannockburn, Drumchapel and Stanley, but Bannockburn was the only side to get through to the semi final. The Stirlingshire club lost in the semi-final to Bankhall Villa who went on to win the cup.
In season 1993/94 Bannockburn was the only League representative from the quarter final on. They beat Cardross Rock in the semi-final 2-1 and Galston United 3-2 in the final. No record of any Caledonian side featuring in 1994/95. In season 1995/96 three of our sides reached the quarter final, Coatbridge and Stirling University both lost their ties 1-0 but Bannockburn carried the flag for the League again but in the semi-final the lost 1-0 in extra time to Dundee side Riverside Athletic at Tannadice.
In season 1996/97 Dalziel, East Kilbride YMCA and Milton reached the quarter- final, and Milton and Dalziel were drawn against each other in the semi-final. Milton were given a walk-over into the final where they lost by the odd goal in three to Knockentiber. Again, in season 1997/98 the League had three sides in the quarter-final. Bannockburn met Strathclyde Police and the Stirlingshire won 3-1 and Dalziel beat St. Pat’s. In the semi-final Bannockburn lost to West Kilbride and Dalziel defeated Heathside 6-3, and in the final Dalziel beat West Kilbride 2-1.
In season 1998/99 had been another lean year in the competition, but 1999/2000 brought a glimmer of hope. Milton, Netherton and Strathclyde Police reached the quarter-final stages. Only Milton made it to the semi-final where they lost, after extra time and penalty kicks, to the eventual winners Liberton Royal Mail.
2000/01 brought delight to the League when Dalziel won the cup and the League had many teams in the latter stages. In season 2001/02 Dumbarton Academy were beaten finalists. In season 2002/03 Balmore were semi-finalists. In season 2003/4 the League had three quarter finalists, Dalziel Milton and Viewfield Rovers.
Viewfield Rovers met Norton House in the final and won the Cup 2-0. Again we had several clubs competing in the latter stages in season 2004/05 but Drumchapel captured the trophy with the only goal of the game against Gartcosh United. In season 2005/06 we had two quarter finalists, Glasgow Harp and Netherton. Season 2006/07 was another lean year but we look forward top season 2007-2008 with optimism.
The West of Scotland Cup
In the first season of the League we did not fare well in the competition and in the next season Muirend lost in the semi-final of the cup. In 1985/86, Muirend reached the final, which was an all Caledonian affair with Drumchapel also reaching Hampden: Muirend were the winners, 3-1.
In the following season we had another all Caledonian League final, Drumchapel beating Barr & Stroud 2-1. In season 1987/88 we had five sides in the quarter final but Coatbridge was the side to reach the final, defeating Greenock HSFP. 4-0. In 1988/89 we had three quarter finalist but Stanley were the only of our sides to get through and they lost yet another final to Knightswood by the odd gaol in three. In 1989/90 Queens Park met in the quarter-finals and the Hampden side got through to the semi-finals, but lost to Bankhall Villa.
In the next season it was Bankhall that beat Bannockburn in a semi-final replay, and that was the last representative of the League in the competition. In the next season none of our side got beyond the quarter finals. In 1992/93 three of our sides got through to the semi-finals, Bannockburn went out to Milngavie Wanderers in a replay to meet Stanley in the final The wanderers won 2-1 and again Stanley lost out in a final. The following season Rhu were the sole survivors from the League to the quarter finals and in that round they lost.
In season 195/96 Dalziel won the competition and in the following season they retained the trophy, beating Knockentiber in the final. In the following season Dalziel, our only representative in the semi-final, went out to Newmilns Vesuvius 2-1. In season 1999/2000 we had four sides in the quarter final Milngavie, Strathclyde Police, Dalziel and Hamilton FP. Dalziel and Hamilton reached the final and Dalziel won 4-0. In the following two seasons Banockburn had their name engraved on the cup. In season 2002/3 Drumchapel beat Arthurlie United in the final. That was our last West Cup win.
The East of Scotland Cup
The first club to reach the latter was Stirling University in season 1985/86 and they were beaten by the only goal in the game in the semi-final by Liberton Cropley (who were not in the League at that time). Bo’ness Amateurs reached the final in the following season, and lost 5-4 after extra tome to Lothian Thistle (who, were not yet in the League either).
By season 1988/89 Liberton Cropley had joined the League and they won the cup in that year. They retsined the trophy the following season. In season 1991 /92 Lothian Thistle lost in a replay to Craigmillar Thistle in the semi-final 3-1 in a replay after a 2-2 draw. The following season gave us three sides in the quarter-final, Liberton, Milton and Cambusbarron Rovers. Cambusbarron progressed to the final but lost 3-2 in extra time to Craigmillar Thistle.
In season 1993/94 the final was played between Cambusbarron Rovers and Liberton Cropley. The Rovers won 3-0, to add another cup to their fine record. Two years later Cambusbarron won the cup again and this time their 3-0 score was against Glenpark Thistle.
In season 1987/98 Links United reached the semi final where they lost to the eventual winners Fallin Miners welfare. In season 2005/06 links United and Doune Castle both reached the latter stages of the competition. They met in the semi-final and Doune progressed to the final but lost.
In 2006-2007 Doune Castle went one better, defeating Redhall Star 2-0 in the final and are the reigning East of Scotland champions.
The South of Scotland Cup
The only side that plays in the South of Scotland Cup is Symington Tinto. Since joining the League they have won the competition twice, in seasons 2000/01 and 2002/03.
The People
We noted in that many people in the League have been or are involved in the workings of the Association, but one person who was not involved was John Kerr of Dalziel HSFP. John could not understand why simple field discipline cases could not be dealt with by using a scale of fixed penalties. He drew up a detailed plan for dealing with matters of field disciple for the League to use, but this could not be done without the approval of the Association. It was passed on to the SAFA. and it became the basis for what is now called “Fixed Penalties for Standard Offences”. Football committees throughout Scotland no longer have to sit at meetings going on till all hours listening to players trying to defend the indefensible, and our own Disciplinary Committee thank John.