Season 1890/91 - October 1890


Wednesday, 1st October 1890

LEAGUE COMMITTEE MEETING

The League Committee met to discuss Renton’s expulsion from the SFA. This was another setback for the fledgling league. Having to contend with St.Bernard’s withdrawal before the season began coupled with Cowlairs temporary lack of a home ground, they now had the problem of Renton’s expulsion from the SFA. This meant they could no longer be members of the Scottish League. The committee felt they had no option but to postpone the forthcoming match between Heart of Midlothian and Renton. They also vowed to fully support Renton in any appeal against the expulsion.

Thursday, 2nd October 1890

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION TOURNAMENT

RANGERS                              5            SUNDERLAND ALBION            1                     
Half time: 3-0                                                     Referee: Mr J. Williamson (East of Scotland FA)
Recreation Ground, Meggatland, Edinburgh

In the final match of the Edinburgh International Exhibition Tournament, Rangers easily beat their English opponents in front of a disappointingly poor attendance.

ORDINARY MATCHES (SELECTED)

CELTIC                                   2            SUNDERLAND                     2                 10,000
Half time 0-2                                                      Referee:
Celtic Park, Glasgow

NOTTINGHAM FOREST       4            QUEEN’S PARK                  2                   2,000
Half time: 2-2                                                      Referee:
Town Ground, Nottingham

THIRD LANARK                    1            EVERTON                              1                  6,000
Half time: 0-1                                                      Referee:
Cathkin Park, Glasgow

The Glasgow clubs faced English opposition in the traditional Autumn Holiday fixtures. Big crowds saw both Celtic and Third Lanark end their games level after being behind at half time. Queen’s Park found themselves well beaten in Nottingham.

Friday, 3rd October 1890

GLASGOW EVENING NEWS

The newspaper reported that the Dumbarton winger, John Bell, was approached by Sunderland. Interviewed by a reporter, Bell claimed Sunderland had offered him £80 down, 35 shillings for each league match if won, 25 shillings if lost and 25 shillings for ordinary matches. This would be on top of 30 shillings a week as an apprentice engineer. Bell asserted he did not agree to the terms.

No doubt as a result of the fallout caused by Renton’s expulsion coupled by English teams visiting Glasgow for ordinary matches, it was noted that agents for various English league teams were spotted around Dumbarton and Renton villages. It was rumoured that Renton’s Harry Gardner would be signing for Sunderland whilst Blackburn Rovers were chasing goalkeeper Gow.

In today’s terms the equivalent value of the amounts quoted would be £10,500 signing on fee, £225, £160 and £195 per week respectively.

Saturday, 4th October 1890

LEAGUE FIXTURES ROUND 6

ABERCORN                           2               THIRD LANARK                    4                   5,000       Buchanan (2)                                                       McIntyre (2),Burke (2)
Half time: 1-2                                                         Referee: Mr Grant (Rangers)

Abercorn: Fleming, A. Cuthbertson, D. Cuthbertson, Johnstone, Bowie, Reid, Wilson, Buchanan, Raeside, Dunlop, Bonnar
Third Lanark: Dowie, Scott, Smith, McFarlane, Johnstone, Lochhead, Lapsley, Thomson, Morrison, McInnes, Burke

CELTIC                                   P            COWLAIRS                           P
Match postponed. Celtic played a Scottish Cup Second Round Replay

HEART of MIDLOTHIAN      P            RENTON                              P
Match postponed. Renton expelled from the SFA.

RANGERS                              8            St.MIRREN                            2
Kerr (4),McPherson(3),Untraced                       Dunbar,E. McBain
Half time: 7-1                                                     Referee: Mr McLaughlan (Third Lanark)

Rangers: Reid, Gow, Muir, Marshall, McIntyre, Mitchell, Wylie, McCreadie, Kerr, Hislop, McPherson
St.Mirren: Deans, Hunter, Alexander, McCartney, Jones, E. McBain, Morrison, McAuley, W. McBain, Dunlop, Dunbar

VALE of LEVEN                     1            DUMBARTON                       3                   3,000
Bruce                                                                   McLeod(og),Untraced,Mair
Half time: 1-1                                                      Referee: Mr Robertson (5th KRV)

Vale of Leven: Wilson, Whitelaw, Sharp, Cormick, McLeod, Baird, Rankin, Cowan, Buchanan, Bruce, McMillan
Dumbarton: McLeod, Watson, McDonald, McMillan, Boyle, Miller, Galbraith, Taylor, Mair, McNaught, Bell

League Table



P W D L F A Pts GA
1.
Dumbarton
5
4
1
0
15
5
9
3.000
2.
Rangers
5
4
0
1
24
12
8
2.000
3.
St.Mirren
5
2
1
2
15
17
5
0.882
4.
Third Lanark
3
2
0
1
7
6
4
1.167
5.
Cambuslang
4
2
0
2
15
15
4
1.000
6.
Vale of Leven
5
2
0
3
9
16
4
0.563
7.
Renton
5
1
1
3
10
13
3
0.769
8.
Abercorn
4
1
0
3
9
12
2
0.750
9.
Heart of Midlothian
4
1
0
3
7
13
2
0.538
10.
Celtic
4
2
0
2
12
8
0*
1.500
11.
Cowlairs
4
1
1
2
6
12
-1*
0.500
* Celtic and Cowlairs both deducted 4 points for fielding ineligible players

The League programme resumed but two fixtures were postponed, Celtic had a Cup replay whilst Renton, having been expelled from the SFA, meant their matches could not be played.

Third Lanark attracted a good crowd in Paisley and continued their good form against Abercorn. Buchanan of Abercorn opened the scoring early in the first half to the delight of the home support but McInnes equalised soon after. The rest of the half was evenly fought until Burke put the Warriors 2-1 ahead just before half time. The second half was much the same as the first only this time it was Third Lanark who struck first through McInnes. Abercorn fought back bravely and Buchanan scored a second fifteen minutes from time. However 2 minutes later Third Lanark sealed the victory when Burke made the score 4-2.

St.Mirren won the toss and strangely elected to play against the strong wind at Ibrox. It was a decision they bitterly regretted as Rangers comprehensively thrashed them in a devastating first half display. St.Mirren had the best of the opening 5 minutes but then taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Rangers scored 4 goals in 10 minutes. Kerr grabbing a hat trick with McPherson the other. St.Mirren did pull one back after 20 minutes through Dunbar but Rangers were in no mood to relax and Kerr soon added his own 4th and Rangers 5th. McPherson made it 6-1 and a 7th goal for Rangers came just before half time from a scrimmage. Three minutes from the start of the second half, McPherson got his own hat trick when he scored the 8th goal for Rangers. Thereafter the game petered out somewhat with Eddie McBain’s goal for St.Mirren on 65 minutes being the only thing of note.

The much anticipated derby match between Vale of Leven and Dumbarton at Alexandria attracted a good crowd. Vale’s form has been inconsistent this season so far and conceding to a McLeod own goal early in the game did not help their cause. Nevertheless they fought back well and equalised mid way through the first half through Bruce. In the second half Dumbarton were not finding it easy as the Vale put up a good account of themselves and even a draw against the league’s form team would be classed as a good result. However Dumbartaon were not to be denied and Mair put them 2-1 in front with 8 minutes to go. Just before the end, Dumbarton sealed the victory with a third goal.

SCOTTISH CUP, SECOND ROUND REPLAYS (SELECTED)

CARFIN SHAMROCK            1            CELTIC                                 3                   6,000        
Half time: 0-2                                                       Referee:
Byresknowe Park, Carfin

No slip up from Celtic in the replay as they end the tie with a comfortable win.

ORDINARY MATCHES (SELECTED)

CLYDE                                    2            THISTLE                                2                  3,000
Half time: 1-1                                                     Referee: Mr T. Hastie (Aberdeen)
Barrowfield Park, Glasgow

HEART of MIDLOTHIAN      6            DYKEBAR                            3
Half time: 5-0                                                      Referee:
Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh

LEITH ATHLETIC                  1            COWLAIRS                           1
Half time: 0-1                                                      Referee:
Bank Park, Edinburgh

PARTICK THISTLE                2            HIBERNIAN                          2
Half time: 1-1                                                      Referee:
Inchview Park, Glasgow

Highlight of the ordinary matches was the Bridgeton derby between Clyde and Thistle. An entertaining game ended in a 2-2 draw. Hearts had a comfortable win over local team Dykebar. Cowlairs drew at Leith whilst Hibs miserable season continued with a draw against Partick Thistle.

RENTON STATEMENT

Renton FC confirmed in a press release that they have taken legal advice regarding their expulsion by the SFA’s Business & Professional Committee. Legal agents, Messrs Angus Campbell & McKenzie, have written to Mr McDowell, Secretary of the SFA, citing the argument that the Business & Professional Committee took upon itself the responsibility of expulsion without consulting the whole body. Furthermore Renton FC had no opportunity to vindicate themselves.

This was a two-pronged response to the expulsion decision. Firstly that the committee acted outside authority and secondly, and perhaps more importantly, that the club were given no opportunity to defend their case. In this aspect Renton had a strong case baring in mind the decision to expel them was taken in private based on a one sided argument. Now it remained to be seen what support, particularly from the Scottish League, Renton could garner.

Monday, 6th October 1890

LETTER FROM St.BERNARD’S TO THE SFA

Thomas Fraser, President of St.Bernard’s FC wrote to Mr McDowell, Secretary of the SFA seeking clarification on the decision to suspend the club. He claimed that previous written enquiries remained unanswered. He wished to know why there was no reason given for the suspension for the suspension of the players and that no official intimation has been received as regards the suspension of the club.

The letter concluded that the Business & Professional Committee had acted contrary to what is fair and legal.

LETTER FROM EDINBURGH SAINTS TO THE SFA

Mr R.H. Christie, President of Edinburgh Saints FC wrote to Mr McDowell, Secretary of the SFA regarding the position of his club. He informed Mr McDowell that Edinburgh Saints FC was organised under SFA Laws, Rule 11, Section L, quoting: - “Members of suspended clubs who have not been declared professionals can play for other clubs which they may be members.”

Mr Christie explained that the club was formed at the request of the unsuspended St.Bernard’s players as it was their preference that the players stay together. No rules were broken and therefore neither the club nor the players should be penalised. Edinburgh Saints were duly constituted, membership tickets issued and a fixture list arranged. Mr Christie went on to point out that Mr G Sneddon, a member of both the SFA Business & Professional Committee and the East of Scotland FA, had on the 23rd September 1890 informed the secretary of Heart of Midlothian that there would be no objection to them playing Edinburgh Saints as they were a new club. He also pointed to the fact that the East of Scotland FA had endorsed Edinburgh Saints as members.

In conclusion Mr Christie pointed out that as the matter was a question of identity and not of professionalism, it was one for the SFA as a whole to decide and not one for the Business & Professional Committee.

Tuesday, 7th October 1890

MEETING OF THE SFA

The meeting was chaired by Mr T.R. Park who stated that he had a 35 page legal document from Messrs Angus Campbell & McKenzie, representatives of Renton FC. Without discussion it was moved, seconded and unanimously agreed that the matter be left to the Business & Professional Committee with full powers to defend any action which might be taken against the Association or its committee.

The recommendation from the East of Scotland Association that the press should be present when charges of professionalism were being discussed was rejected out of hand. The letter from St.Bernard’s was replied to giving the reasons for suspension but the contents were not disclosed. The letter from Edinburgh Saints was ignored on the grounds that they were not members of the SFA.

Members then discussed the principle of encouraging players and club officials turning “Queen’s Evidence” regarding acts of professionalism. It was unanimously agreed that it was a principle worth pursuing.

The meeting concluded with the draw for the third round of the Scottish Cup. Ties involving league clubs were drawn as follows: -

CAMBUSLANG v St.MIRREN
DUMBARTON v Slamannan or Clydebank
Kilsyth Wanderers v VALE of LEVEN
Linthouse v ABERCORN
Methlan Park v HEART of MIDLOTHIAN
THIRD LANARK v Summerton Athletic
Wishaw Thistle v CELTIC

The SFA clearly showed their contempt for anything to do with professionalism and the arrogance in which they dismissed any questioning of their decisions was undiluted. Such was their hatred of a working man earning an honest wage from playing football is demonstrated in the fact that they were now prepared to rely on whistleblowers to advance their purity. Instead of addressing the problem and finding a compromise acceptable to all, they were now going to go down the hypocritical route of being lenient to one “professional” to snare another.

Wednesday, 8th October 1890

MEETING OF THE EAST of SCOTLAND FA

The meeting had been called to deal with the case of Edinburgh Saints. Mr George Sneddon, as Chairman, advised that the finding of the Business & Professional Committee of the SFA declared that St.Bernard’a and Edinburgh Saints was the same club.

Mr Williamson moved that “the finding of the last general meeting of the East of Scotland FA be rescinded and that the action of the Business & Professional Committee be homologated (approved).” Mr Riddle seconded this. Mr Bannerman moved a softer motion. “That this committee, while regretting the finding of the Business & Professional Committee, and still believing our action in admitting Edinburgh Saints to membership in no respect violated the laws of the SFA, resolves to acquiesce in the decision of the Business & Professional Committee.” This motion was carried by 18 votes to 6.

One can only speculate what went on behind the scenes leading up to this meeting. It was an astonishing about face by the East of Scotland FA. Williamson, who in the previous meeting was so vociferous of his condemnation of the SFA as a whole and completely supportive of St.Bernard’s and Edinburgh Saints, clearly led the u-turn. Sneddon, who previously had a rough time in his position as a Business & Professional committee member, was given the easiest of rides. Also it was strange the other issues raised as regards the definition of remuneration, holding meetings in private and the grievance of west coast bias were quietly dropped.

Friday, 10th October 1890

MEETING OF THE SFA BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL COMMITTEE

The chairman advised the meeting that further communication had been received from the agents of Renton FC. The meeting acknowledged receipt but took no further action on the matter.

Two of the players, W.Corson and J.McMillan, who had represented Edinburgh Saints and were therefore under suspension applied for reinstatement. The committee advised them that they could not see their way to reinstate at present.

Cowlairs were censured for playing A. Munro (or Munroe) before he had been reinstated. Munro made three appearances for Cowlairs towards the end of last season. The player is no longer on books of the Springburn club.

At the meeting held on 25th September 1890, the committee confirmed they had written to a number of leading clubs requesting them to submit their cash books for examination. As a result of this the Secretary and Treasurer of Cowlairs were examined in connection with their books and the examination was adjourned.

LEAGUE MANAGEMENT MEETING

A meeting of the League clubs was held in private to discuss the plight of expelled Renton FC. It is believed that the majority of clubs agreed to support Renton in their appeal. No decision was made as to Renton’s remaining fixtures.

Saturday, 11th October 1890

LEAGUE FIXTURES ROUND 7

DUMBARTON                     1               ABERCORN                         1                          Taylor(3),Galbraith(2)                                      Raeside
Half time: 2-1                                                      Referee: Mr Cameron (Rangers)

Dumbarton: McLeod, Hannah, Watson, D.Boyle, McMillan, Miller, Taylor, Galbraith, Mair, McNaught, Bell
Abercorn: Fleming, A.Cuthbertson, D.Cuthbertson, Reid, Johnstone, Bowie, Bonnar, McLaren, Raeside, Eaglesham, Laurence

St.MIRREN                            1            VALE of LEVEN                    1
Morrison                                                               Bruce
Half time 0-0

St.Mirren: Deans, Hunter, Alexander, McCartney, Jones, E.McBain, Morrison, McAuley, Wylie, Dunlop, Dunbar
Vale of Leven: Wilson, Whitelaw, Sharp, McLeod, McNicol, Cormick, Cowan, Rankin, T.Graham, McGregor, Bruce

League Table



P W D L F A Pts GA
1.
Dumbarton
6
5
1
0
20
6
11
3.333
2.
Rangers
5
4
0
1
24
12
8
2.000
3.
St.Mirren
6
2
2
2
16
18
6
0.889
4.
Vale of Leven
6
2
1
3
10
17
5
0.588
5.
Third Lanark
3
2
0
1
7
6
4
1.167
6.
Cambuslang
4
2
0
2
15
15
4
1.000
7.
Renton
5
1
1
3
10
13
3
0.769
8.
Abercorn
5
1
0
4
10
17
2
0.588
9.
Heart of Midlothian
4
1
0
3
7
13
2
0.538
10.
Celtic
4
2
0
2
12
8
0*
1.500
11.
Cowlairs
4
1
1
2
6
12
-1*
0.500
* Celtic and Cowlairs both deducted 4 points for fielding ineligible players

Due to local cup competitions, only two league matches were scheduled and this produced a Paisley versus Dunbartonshire contest.

Dumbarton’s form has been relentless since their opening league season draw against Cowlairs and they brushed aside Abercorn to record their fifth successive league victory. It was Abercorn who opened the scoring after 10 minutes with a fine shot from Raeside, however, from that point onwards, Dumbarton were relentless. Taylor equalised for Dumbarton 5 minutes later but some stout defending from Abercorn held Dumbarton at bay until a minute before half time when Taylor again scored. Soon after the restart Galbraith hit Dumbarton’s third. Midway through the second half Bell thought he had Dumbarton’s 4th but it was adjudged offside. Dumbarton were not to be denied however when Galbraith did grab his teams 4th goal and towards the end Taylor completed his hat trick to give Dumbarton an easy 5-1 victory.

A large crowd was in attendance for the match at Westmarch and St.Mirren had announced that their share of the gate was to be donated to West Kilbride Homes, a local charity. The first half was a thrilling and fast affair with both teams creating numerous chances but unable to break the deadlock. In the second half it was more of the same except it was St.Mirren who took control and became the dominant team. Morrison put the Saints ahead and if it had not been for some outstanding work by Wilson, Vale would surely have crumbled. Just as St.Mirren were about to record a well-deserved victory, Bruce broke away and equalised for Vale. Somehow the men from Alexandria escaped with a point and that was mostly down to Wilson in goal.

GLASGOW CUP, SECOND ROUND (SELECTED)

CLYDE                                   2               LINTHOUSE                          1                         
Half time: 0-1                                                        Referee:
Barrowfield Park, Bridgeton

NORTHERN                           1               CELTIC                                  2                   5,000
Half time: 1-0                                                        Referee:
Hyde Park, Springburn

QUEEN’S PARK                    2               THIRD LANARK                  4                 16,911
Half time: 2-2                                                        Referee:
Hampden Park, Glasgow

SUMMERTON ATHLETIC   1               COWLAIRS                            2
Half time: 1-1                                                        Referee:
Victoria Park, Govan

CAMBUSLAND and RANGERS both received byes into the Third Round

All the league teams made it through to the Third Round although Celtic and Cowlairs made heavy weather of their victories. Celtic’s tie with Northern attracted one of the biggest crowds ever seen at Hyde Park. The tie of the round was without doubt the match between Queen’s Park and Third Lanark at Hampden Park. A massive crowd saw the Warriors see off Queen’s Park comfortably.

EAST of SCOTLAND SHIELD, FIRST ROUND (SELECTED)

HEART of MIDLOTHIAN     2            HIBERNIAN                          1                
Half time: 1-1                                                     Referee: Mr Sneddon (President, East of Scotland FA)
Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh

Hearts progressed safely to the next round after hammering another nail into Hibernian’s miserable season.

ORDINARY MATCHES (SELECTED)

AIRDRIEONIANS                 4            CAMBUSLANG                    2                 
Half time: 3-2                                                     Referee:
Mavisbank Park, Airdrie

RANGERS                              4            METHLAN PARK                 2                   1,000
Half time: 2-1                                                     Referee:
Ibrox Park, Glasgow

Monday, 14th October 1890

MEETING OF THE DUNBARTONSHIRE FA

The Dunbartonshire FA met to make the draw for the first round of the Dunbartonshire Cup. The league clubs, Dumbarton and Vale of Leven were drawn against Dumbarton Albion and Dumbarton Thistle respectively. Renton were not included in the draw nor was their current expulsion from the SFA discussed.

Tuesday, 15th October 1890

MEETING OF THE EAST of SCOTLAND FA

The East of Scotland met to make the draw for the third round of the Edinburgh Shield. Heart of Midlothian were drawn to meet Lochgelly United. No further discussion as regards St.Bernard’s/Edinburgh Saints took place.

PLAYERS MOVING TO ENGLAND?

Agents for English Football League clubs have taken advantage of the predicament Renton FC find themselves in and descended on Dumbartonshire in the hunt for disaffected players. The first casualty was Renton’s halfback Henry Gardner who signed for Bolton Wanderers. No financial details were disclosed. Centre half James Brown and full back Campbell are said to be heavily pursued by Aston Villa. Unhappy at being dropped against St.Mirren, Vale of Leven’s forward McMillan signed for Everton. It was reported he would be on a wage of £3 per week (around £400 today).

Thursday, 16th October 1890

RENTON TAKE LEGAL ACTION

Clearly unhappy with the lack of engagement from the SFA, Renton FC has lodged action at the Court of Session against the SFA, its General Committee and its Business & Professional Committee. Their action is that the expulsion was illegal and it is therefore still a member of the SFA. Furthermore the Business & Professional Committee is being held liable for £5,000 (around £650,000 today). In their submission lawyers acting for Renton FC have also asked that the association be interdicted from expending any of its funds in the conduct of the case, as it claims patrimonial interest.

So Renton fire the first shot across the bows of the SFA. They believe they have a strong case and feel that the only way a fair hearing can be heard is through the courts.

Friday, 17th October 1890

MEETING OF THE SFA BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL COMMITTEE

No mention of Renton’s legal action was made but the financial affairs of Cowlairs were now in their sights. It was agreed that an investigation into Cowlairs would be proceeded with and that it would also include John MacPherson, a Cowlairs player who signed for Rangers prior to the commencement of the current season and George Henderson, Secretary of Cowlairs.

Saturday, 18th October 1890

LEAGUE – REARRANGED FIXTURE

RANGERS                              1               COWLAIRS                           1                                       Hislop                                                                   Peacock
Half time: 1-0                                                         Referee: Mr French

Rangers: McKenzie, Gow, Muir, Marshall, McIntyre, Mitchell, Wylie, McCreadie, Kerr, McPherson, Hislop
Cowlairs: Duff, Fowler, McCartney, McPherson, McLeod, Masterton, Binks, Lyall, Hughes, Peacock, Henderson

League Table



P W D L F A Pts GA
1.
Dumbarton
6
5
1
0
20
6
11
3.333
2.
Rangers
6
4
1
1
25
13
9
1.923
3.
St.Mirren
6
2
2
2
16
18
6
0.889
4.
Vale of Leven
6
2
1
3
10
17
5
0.588
5.
Third Lanark
3
2
0
1
7
6
4
1.167
6.
Cambuslang
4
2
0
2
15
15
4
1.000
7.
Renton
5
1
1
3
10
13
3
0.769
8.
Abercorn
5
1
0
4
10
17
2
0.588
9.
Heart of Midlothian
4
1
0
3
7
13
2
0.538
10.
Celtic
4
2
0
2
12
8
0*
1.500
11.
Cowlairs
5
1
2
2
7
13
0*
0.538
* Celtic and Cowlairs both deducted 4 points for fielding ineligible players

No League fixtures were arranged for this Saturday, as the date was set-aside for the Scottish Cup. However as both Rangers and Cowlairs were no longer involved in that competition they agreed to bring forward the fixture scheduled form 15th November 1890.

Rangers hoped to close the gap at the top with Dumbarton, however, Cowlairs proved to be no pushovers. Despite the importance of the game a poor crowd saw Rangers with all the early play but gradually Cowlairs played themselves into the game. After 20 minutes Rangers took the lead through Hislop. Cowlairs protested strongly that the goal should not stand as it was offside but the referee dismissed their claims. In the second half the game was well contested and Peacock equalised for Cowlairs after 60 minutes. This put the Springburn men on the front foot and in the end Rangers were fortunate to hold out for a draw. Matches between these two teams are usually feisty affairs and this one proved no different as on 70 minutes both McCreadie of Rangers and Fowler of Cowlairs were sent off after a clash. Fowler appeared to have come off the worst, as he had to be helped from the field.

SCOTTISH CUP, THIRD ROUND (SELECTED)

CAMBUSLANG                    1            St.MIRREN                            2                   3,000        
Half time: 1-1                                                    Referee: Mr Hay (Dumfries)
Whitefield Park, Cambuslang

CLYDE                                   3            AYR                                        4
Half time: 2-2                                                    Referee:
Barrowfield Park, Glasgow

DUMBARTON                       6            CLYDEBANK                       0
Half time: 3-0                                                     Referee:
Boghead Park, Dumbarton

KILSYTH WANDERERS      0            VALE of LEVEN                   8                   5,000
Half time: 0-0                                                     Referee:
Garrel Gardens Park, Kilsyth

LINTHOUSE                          3            ABERCORN                          4                   3,000
Half time: 2-3                                                     Referee:
Langlands Park, Glasgow

METHLAN PARK                  0            HEART of MIDLOTHIAN    3                   9,500
Half time: 0-2                                                     Referee:
Recreation Ground, Meggatland

QUEEN’S PARK                     6            UDDINGSTON                     0
Half time: 5-0                                                      Referee: Rev M. McKinnon (Dumfries)
Hampden Park, Glasgow

THIRD LANARK                    8            SUMMERTON ATHLETIC  1
Half time: 3-1                                                      Referee:
Cathkin Park, Glasgow

WISHAW THISTLE                2            CELTIC                                  6                   4,000
Half time: 0-2                                                      Referee:
Recreation Ground, Wishaw

The third round of the Scottish Cup produced no real shocks and all the league teams still in the competition progressed safely except Cambuslang. They lost out to fellow league team St.Mirren. The game between Methlan Park and Heart of Midlothian was due to be played on Methlan’s ground in Dumbarton, however, at the suggestion of East of Scotland FA President, Mr Sneddon, the match was switched to the Recreation Grounds at Meggatland, Edinburgh. The switch proved to be a success as almost 10,000 people attended.

REPRESENTATIVE MATCH

CLEVELAND FA                   6            EAST of SCOTLAND FA       1
Half time:                                                           Referee: 
At Middlesbrough

The East of Scotland FA, without the services of any players from Heart of Midlothian, were totally outclassed by Cleveland FA.

JAMES ROSS SIGNS FOR SUNDERLAND ALBION

James Ross, the player at the centre of the St.Bernard’s controversy, has sign a professional contract with English Alliance League club Sunderland Albion. It was reported he would be paid £2 per week (£260 today). St.Bernard’s were recently suspended from the SFA for professionalism after it had been discovered that Ross was being paid to play for the Edinburgh club.

Monday, 20th October 1890

RENTON FC RESIGN FROM THE LEAGUE

Mr McIntyre, Secretary of Renton FC, has informed the Scottish League the Renton FC will resign the League. As their appeal against expulsion from the SFA has now gone to law, the Renton committee felt their was no option but to resign their place in the Scottish League competition as there was no saying when the club would be able to resume playing again. Mr McIntyre also resigned his place on the League Management Committee.

The League Management Committee now has to decide how to deal with the vacancy that Renton’s resignation has caused. One option would be to continue with the existing 10 clubs with Renton’s playing record either retained or expunged. Another option would be to invite another club to take Renton’s place. Several clubs, including Clyde, have expressed an interest in replacing the unfortunate Dunbartonshire club.

PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL IS EVIL

At a meeting of the SFA on the 7th October 1890, the committee issued a statement that they were in favour of encouraging member club players and officials to turn “Queen’s Evidence” in their efforts to eradicate professionalism in Scottish football. This crusade was picked up by the weekly sports newspaper, “Scottish Referee” and in a front-page editorial piece published on 20th October 1890, gleefully supported the stance of the SFA and pledged to help them in every way possible. The full text of the article is as follows: -

“Needless to say we are delighted at the uncompromising attitude adopted towards the professional evil by the present committee. Our only regret is that years ago their predecessors did not follow a similar policy, as had they done so the evils with which the game is now beset might have been strangled at their birth. By their stringent policy the committee are making a terror to evil-doers and a praise to those who do well. We trust they will reap reward, if not in general commendation, at least in seeing their efforts lesson, if not altogether root out, practices which are so demoralising and degrading as to make the game of football a byword, and bring it under the ban of all true sportsman.

We have given, and are still prepared to give, the committee every assistance in our power in the crusade they are waging. It is not possible for us, of course, to publish all that is within our ken concerning clubs and individuals. But so far as we are permitted within legal limits of dealing with what we believe to be offences against the laws of pure amateurism, we will not shrink from expressing our opinions.”

Tuesday, 21st October 1890

MEETING OF THE GLASGOW FA

The Glasgow Football Association met to make the draw for the Glasgow Cup quarter-final round. All 5 league teams were still involved and drawn as follows: -

CELTIC v Clyde
COWLAIRS v Partick Thistle
THIRD LANARK v RANGERS
Wanderers v CAMBUSLANG

The meeting also selected the Association team to play the East of Scotland FA on 15th November 1890: -

Duff (Cowlairs), Arnott (Queen’s Park) (Captain), McKeown (Celtic), McFarlane (Third Lanark), Kelly (Celtic), Mitchell (Rangers), Madden (Celtic), Berry (Queen’s Park), Hector (Battlefield), McPherson (Rangers), Sellar (Queen’s Park). Mr Sliman (Battlefield) was selected as Umpire.

Saturday, 25th October 1890

LEAGUE FIXTURES ROUND 8

ABERCORN                           1               CELTIC                                 1                   5,000                Reid                                                                      Dowds(4),Gallagher
Half time: 1-3                                                         Referee: Mr Lawrence (Dumbarton)

Abercorn: Fleming, A.Cuthbertson, D.Cuthbertson, Smith, Bisland, Reid, Nicol, Buchanan, Raeside, McLaren, Bonnar
Celtic: Bell, Reynolds, McKeown, Gallagher, Kelly, McLaren, Madden, Dunbar, Dowds, Crossan, Campbell

COWLAIRS                            1               DUMBARTON                     6
Untraced                                                                 Bell(2),Untraced(3),Taylor
Half time 0-4                                                          Referee: Mr Gossland (Rangers)
Played at Hyde Park, Springburn

Cowlairs: Duff, McCartney, Fowlaer, Masterton, McLeod, McPherson, Bishop, Henderson, Hughes, Lyall, Peacock
Dumbarton: McLeod, Watson, Hannah, Miller, Boyle, McMillan, Bell, McNaught, Mair, Galbraith, Taylor

HEART of MIDLOTHIAN     8              VALE of LEVEN                   1                   2,500
Hill,Russell(2),Scott(2),Taylor,Baird,                   Graham
McPherson
Half time: 3-0                                                        Referee: MrGrant (Rangers)

Heart of Midlothian: Gibson, Adams, Goodfellow, Begbie, McPherson, Hill, Taylor, Mason, Russell, Scott, Baird
Vale of Leven: Wilson, Whitelaw, Sharp, McLeod, McNicol, Paterson, Cowan, Rankin, Graham, Buchanan, Bruce

RENTON                                 V            CAMBUSLANG                    V
Match void due to Renton being expelled from the SFA. Renton resigned from the League.

THIRD LANARK                    5            St.MIRREN                            3                   2,500
Burke,Johnstone(2),McFarlane,Untraced           Jones,Douglas,Wylie
Half time: 1-2                                                      Referee: MrDunn (Cambuslang)

Third Lanark: Downie, Scott, Smith, McFarlane, Love, Lochhead, Lapsley, Thomson, Johnstone, Burke, McInnes
St.Mirren: Cameron, Hunter, Alexander, McCartney, Jones, E.McBain, Morrison, McAuley, Wylie, Dunlop, Douglas

League Table



P W D L F A Pts GA
1.
Dumbarton
7
6
1
0
26
7
13
3.714
2.
Rangers
6
4
1
1
25
13
9
1.923
3.
Third Lanark
4
3
0
1
12
9
6
1.333
4.
St.Mirren
7
2
2
3
19
23
6
0.826
5.
Vale of Leven
7
2
1
4
11
25
5
0.440
6.
Heart of Midlothian
5
2
0
3
15
14
4
1.071
7.
Cambuslang
4
2
0
2
15
15
4
1.000
8.
Renton
5
1
1
3
10
13
3
0.769
9.
Celtic
5
3
0
2
17
9
2*
1.889
10.
Abercorn
6
1
0
5
11
22
2
0.500
11.
Cowlairs
6
1
2
3
8
19
0*
0.421
* Celtic and Cowlairs both deducted 4 points for fielding ineligible players

There would have been a full league programme had it not been for Renton’s resignation from the league due to the SFA expelling them from the Association.

Celtic drew a large crowd in Paisley for their match against Abercorn. They were without the services of Willie Groves who left the club to sign professional terms with English League team West Bromwich Albion. The game turned out to be an easy victory for the visitors despite going a goal behind early on, Reid on target for Abercorn. Celtic then had virtually all the play and it was not long before Dowds equalised. A further goal from Dowds then a goal from Gallagher put the Celts 3-1 up at half time. In the second half, Dowds completed his hat trick and just before the end grabbed his 4th and Celtic’s 5th.

Cowlairs ground was still not available so they faced Dumbarton at the home of their nearer neighbours Northern at Hyde Park and a sizeable crowd turned up. Dumbarton seem to be on unstoppable form and this continued as they brushed away their opponents. Right from the start Cowlairs were on the back foot and Dumbarton secured an early breakthrough with a goal from a scrimmage. Two further goals were scored soon after; both from scrimmages that put Dumbarton 3-0 up. Just before half time Bell made it 4-0 and Dumbarton were rampant. The second half was more even mainly due to Dumbarton easing off slightly but when Cowlairs pulled one back on 70 minutes this riled them. Dumbarton came back with two further goals through Bell and Taylor.

An Improving Hearts took on a Vale of Leven side that was in freefall at Tynecastle and after some early even exchanges the Edinburgh men took the lead through Hill after 7 minutes. This was followed by a Russell double that sent Hearts in at half time 3-0 up. Worse was to come for the Vale in the second half as Hearts showed no mercy. Taylor scored Hearts 4th within a minute of the restart and Vale more or less gave up and conceded a further 4 goals. Scott with a double then Baird and McPherson added to Vale’s misery. A goal by Tommy Graham two minutes before the end was hardly any consolation for the men from Alexandria.

The early play between the sides was fairly equal then Jones scored for St.Mirren after 5 minutes. The game was open and both sides were creating chances. On the 30-minute mark a Third Lanark corner set up a chance for Burke to equalise and he made no mistake. The Saints came back and just before half time a shot by Douglas restored their lead. Straight from the restart, Johnstone equalised for Third Lanark and not long after McFarlane put them 3-2 ahead. The Warriors had the upper hand now and sustained pressure saw them go 4-2 ahead. On 75 minutes Johnstone made sure of victory when putting the Warriors 5-2 in front. With barely 10 minutes left Wylie scored St.Mirren’s third goal and that ended the scoring.

REPRESENTATIVE MATCH

DUNBARTONSHIRE FA            3            AYRSHIRE                           6
Halley,R.McGregor,McVean                                   Wallace,Campbell(2),Feggans,F.Watt,Steel
Halt time: 2-4                                                           Referee:
Boghead Park, Dumbarton

Dunbartonshire: Barr (Methlan Park), J.McGregor (Methlan Park), Crawford (Vale of Leven Wand.),
Saunders (Dalmuir Th), R.McGregor (Methlan Park), Lang  (Methlan Park), McVean (Clydebank),
Richmond (Methlan Park), McLeod (Vale of Leven Wand.), Kerr (Dalmuir Th), Halley (Methlan Park)
Ayrshire: Baird (Irvine), Wright (Hurlford), Smellie (Annbank), Hamilton (Hurlford),
Campbell (Kilmarnock), Davidson (Annbank), F.Watt (Kilbirnie), Feggans (Ayr), Ross (Ayr),
Steel (Stevenson Th), Wallace (Newmilns)

Dunbartonshire proved to be no match for Ayrshire as they lost out in an entertaining
game by 6-3. No less than 6 players from Methlan Park represented Dunbartonshire
who were deprived of player from Dumbarton, Renton and Vale of Leven.

ORDINARY MATCHES (SELECTED)

CLYDE                                   4            AIRDRIEONIANS                 3                  
Half time: 2-3                                                    Referee:
Barrowfield Park, Glasgow

LINTHOUSE                          3            HIBERNIAN                          2                  
Half time: 3-1                                                    Referee:
Langlands Park, Glasgow

QUEEN’S PARK                    7            LEITH ATHLETIC                 1
Half time: 4-0                                                     Referee:
Hampden Park, Glasgow

RANGERS                              2            PARTICK THISTLE              3                   2,000
Half time: 0-0                                                     Referee:
Ibrox Park, Glasgow

Monday, 27th October 1890

ROWDYISM AT FOOTBALL MATCHES

Following outbreaks of violence at a number of unidentified football matches on Saturday, the weekly newspaper, “Scottish referee”, published an editorial condemning the practice: -

“There appears to have been on Saturday a recrudescence of rowdyism on several of our football fields. We had hoped that the knowledge that both League and the Association were prepared to deal seriously with offenders would have had a sufficiently deterrent effect upon those whose actions require to be curbed, but it seems not so. We must thoroughly condemn outbursts of temper which lead to such reprehensible practices. It should be noticed, however, that spectators are often as much at fault as the actual offenders. To egg on an excited man to “go for” another is only too certain to lead to scenes which had better not take place. On Saturday, too, a referee had to be escorted off the field by police for fear of mob violence. The League should make a club responsible for its followers, and a very good policy for it to adopt, and one which would have a good effect, would be to order its fixtures to be played off in another town for a certain period commensurate with the gravity of the offence. Some stringent measures will have to be taken incontinently which deal with this spreading evil, and which will induce both players and foolish lookers-on to behave in a seemly manner. Another evil, not so easy to eradicate though, and one which also seems to be on the increase, is the use of profanity and obscenity on the part of spectators. On some fields the language is enough to make the air thick, and that too, by stand people, and in the presence of ladies. How this is to be cured we know not, but the well-behaved portion of the crowd should not be slow to mark their displeasure, and give those Yahoos to understand that their company is not wanted.”

Flowery language accepted, this is an editorial that could have been easily written today. Disturbances at football matches have occurred since the game became popular and large numbers began to flock to various venues. Local teams drew local crowds and from that grew emotional attachment. When emotions run high, whether artificially stimulated by alcohol etc or not, it is easy within large groups to be influenced at perceived injustices and react in unreasonable ways and authorities have been wrestling with the problem since time immemorial. It is interesting to see that even then the cry was for the clubs themselves to take responsibility and be accountable for the actions of their supporters. Nowadays it is described as corporate responsibility. Violence at football matches began more or less when the sport became popular and some 150 years later the problem still exists and the same solutions are still being demanded.

Tuesday, 28th October 1890

MEETING OF THE SFA

There was a full attendance of members and it was announced that the SFA and its Business & Professional Committee would formally defend the action by Renton against the Association. Messrs A.J. & J. Dickson of Edinburgh had been appointed as law agents for the Association.

It was agreed to accept the Argyllshire FA as affiliate members of the SFA.

The draw for the fourth round of the Scottish Cup was conducted and the remaining league clubs still involved were drawn as follows: -

ABERCORN v Bathgate Rovers
Airdrieonians v St.MIRREN
Ayr v HEART of MIDLOTHIAN
DUMBARTON v Mossend Swifts
Leith Athletic v VALE of LEVEN
Montrose v THIRD LANARK
Our Boys (Dundee) v CELTIC

Friday, 31st October 1890

MEETING OF THE SFA BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL COMMITTEE

The consideration of the Cowlairs FC was resumed and Mr J. Halley, Match Secretary, represented the club. Halley explained that the club books for the previous season had been destroyed and went on to say that Mr George Henderson had all the management and was in fact the whole club during that season (1889/90). At a committee meeting held at the beginning of this season it was agreed that Henderson would not be allowed to handle the money of the club in future.

After further consideration the Business & Professional Committee announced the following decision: -

“Having heard evidence and examined the books and documents produced the committee decided to suspend Cowlairs FC (under constitution and rules 11and 12) till 1st December 1890; and further expel Mr George Henderson, Honorary Secretary, from taking part in Scottish football affairs.”

So following hard on the heels of Renton and St.Bernard’s, Cowlairs also found themselves suspended for professionalism. Due to the fact that the Business & Professional Committee conduct their deliberations in private it is difficult to know what exactly Cowlairs were guilty of. Then there are the unanswered questions of who destroyed the books? What books were actually produced if the original ones were destroyed? Where does John McPherson fit in on this?

The most likely and logical explanation is that Cowlairs were suspected (or were informed on anonymously) of paying a player or players for playing football during season 1889/90. Henderson panicked, destroyed the evidence and produced a set of fake books to cover his tracks. As all the witnesses, including John McPherson, called by the SFA denied the accusation and the original books could not be produced, there was no evidence, apart from hearsay, to go on. Furthermore as it was claimed Henderson had sole control of the club up until the beginning of this season, nobody at the club really new what was going on. In effect therefore Cowlairs were suspended, not for professionalism per se, but for mismanagement.

So who was the player or players suspected of being paid? The strong suspicion was that it was John McPherson. Indeed the fact that he was interviewed by the SFA on the 17th October 1890 seemed to back this. McPherson made his debut for Kilmarnock in 1886. He was a local boy born in Kilmarnock in 1868 and trained as an engine fitter. He briefly played for Everton in 1887 (as an amateur) but after several months returned to Kilmarnock. On the 10th March 1888 he gained his first cap for Scotland in a 5-1 victory over Wales at Easter Road Park, Edinburgh. In April 1888 he signed for Cowlairs that raised eyebrows in a number of football quarters as to why. As he was an engine fitter by trade, moving to the locomotive industry heartland of Springburn should not have been seen as unusual. He also made a few guest player appearances for Cowlairs during January and February 1888. However, such moves, where players left their local teams for somewhere else with no connection, always attracted doubt as to the their motives. The speculation of illegal underhand payments was rife.

McPherson quickly became a popular player with the Gourlay Park support due to his goal scoring exploits mostly from the inside left position. With Cowlairs he gained 3 further Scotland caps. Against England at the Kennington Oval on 13th April 1889 he scored the winning goal in a 3-2 victory, on 29th March 1890 he scored in a 4-1 victory against Ireland in Belfast and a week later he scored the equalising goal in a 1-1 draw with England at Hampden Park. His stock was on the rise and great things were expected of him.

In the summer of 1890 McPherson along with two other players, Andrew McCreadie and Neil Kerr, transferred from Cowlairs to Glasgow rivals Rangers and once again eyebrows were raised as to why. It was debateable who was actually the better team, Cowlairs or Rangers. Cowlairs had won no major cups but had won 5 minor ones, Rangers, four years older, had won no major cups either but did win the Glasgow Charity Cup in 1879. In terms of head to head matches, Rangers had the better of Cowlairs. Including ordinary matches they had met 10 times, Rangers winning 5 and drawing 3. Kerr and McCreadie had only broken into the Cowlairs side in season 1889/90 and also McCreadie’s brother Hugh already played for Rangers so the speculation on their motives was slight. All the focus was on McPherson.

If SFA suspected McPherson was being paid by Cowlairs, then it stands to reason that on moving to Rangers he was likely to have been paid more, yet Rangers were not part of the investigation. In the end McPherson was cleared on his own evidence and the SFA had no choice but to end the matter. Indeed no Cowlairs players, or ex-players were found guilty of professionalism but George Henderson, perhaps rightly, bore the brunt by his possible actions.

There can be no doubt that at this time players in Scotland were being paid to play football and many clubs were finding underhand and contrived methods to conceal the fact. Players were still being lured to England but the “better paid” players were now staying in Scotland. For more than a decade the SFA, with the support of the media, had led the crusade against professionalism yet it was now probably worse than ever. The reason why the SFA could not stamp it out was that the SFA was made up of member clubs and those same member clubs were deliberately breaking the rules they formulated. Publicly they were against professionalism whilst privately they were paying players.

Note on John McPherson. A number of sources (in print and online) have John McPherson involved in another professionalism incident with Cowlairs that occurred in September 1887. After Cowlairs had defeated Third Lanark in a Scottish Cup tie 2-1 at Cathkin Park Third Lanark protested to the SFA accusing Cowlairs of professionalism and cited three players; Willie McLeod, Tom Robertson and Robert Calderwood. In the case against McLeod and Robertson it was that they had played for a Nottingham club the previous season and in the case against Calderwood that he was a professional.

After examination of witnesses it was unanimously agreed that the claim against McLeod and Robertson could not be sustained (they had gone to Nottingham for trials and then returned). However in the case of Calderwood, having previously played in England for Bootle was found guilty of professionalism and suspended for two years. This had been his second offence hence the harsh suspension. A motion was put to disqualify Cowlairs on this basis but it was decided by a large majority not to do so as Cowlairs had no knowledge that he was a professional. The final decision by the SFA was that the tie was to be replayed at Cathkin Park. Cowlairs won the replayed match 4-1.

John McPherson comes erroneously into this incident due to the fact that Cowlairs listed a “McPherson” as playing. However this McPherson was James Adam McPherson a regular at right half for Cowlairs since 1886. Third Lanark made no mention of any McPherson nor was he mentioned in the SFA’s statement. The assumption that the McPherson was John would appear to be due the fact that he was listed in newspapers as J. McPherson and of course John later played for Cowlairs.

It has also been suggested that James was the older brother of John who became regular teammates with Cowlairs between 1888 and 1890. However James Adam McPherson was no relation to John. The confusion arises because John did have an older brother called James but that James remained with Kilmarnock FC acting mainly as a trainer.