A KHS member found this article and thought it would be an interesting contribution to our website. As the match took place shortly after it was formed, I thought a piece about the Club was overdue. If anyone with more knowledge than I would like to elaborate on this article please contact secretary@kirkcudbrighthistorysociety.org.uk.
St Cuthbert Wanderers is one of the oldest clubs in the South of Scotland League. It was formed in 1879 by several members of the congregation of St Cuthbert’s Catholic Church in the High Street (which became the present St Andrew’s and St Cuthbert’s Church).
One Sunday in 1879, prior to going to Mass, about seven or eight members of the congregation talked about forming a football club. Some of the men involved in these discussions were Tom Branney, James Crossan, Michael Crossan, William Flannigan, George Murphy and William Murray. The first meeting took place in St Cuthbert’s School shelter, when each gentleman vowed to save three pounds and return in a month’s time to get a club going. Fifty pounds was needed to start the Club which was raised by donations from well wishers and fund raising activities like dances. When the target was achieve the final meeting to gather a team was called.
The office bearers who were elected, chairman Robert McMonies, secretary George Murphy and treasurer William Flannigan. After a few trial games it was decided that the club would be called ‘St Cuthbert Wanderers’. The club broke up in 1886 but was re-formed on 13 October 1890. Following several friendlies the club was admitted to the Southern Counties League.
As a full member of the Scottish Football Association the club could compete in the Scottish Cup.
With a bit of help Sam Kelly found out about this Football team.
Circa 1930, It is The Saints Crocks V Queen Of The South Crocks.
William Robson__ ?__Jim Richardson (Normans Grandfather) _?_ _?_ Bob Wallace (Wallace & Co Building Firm) _ ?_ _?__?_ _?_ Lady Hope Dunbar _Jim Hall (Butcher) –Bob McDougal( Professional Player) __Alan Milligan. Sitting referee Hugh Gallagher (Played for Airdrie, Newcastle & Queen Of The South.)
Lady Hope Dunbar Kicked the Game Off.
Possibly the highlight of the Club’s history so far is playing Glasgow Celtic in 1964.
1964 Glasgow Celtic with St Cuthbert Wanderers.
?__Tommy Gemmel__Shaun Fallon goalkeeper__————————————-Hamish Holmes__ Jackie Wood, Ref__ Jimmy Patterson__Steve Chalmers———John McKenna__Bobby Murdoch__?__?__Archie McHarg__John Clark__Jonny Duncan__ Sean Fallon__Lex Davidson.
Jack Pickthall__Bill Malloch__ Davie Hewitson__?Gallagher__Haig Gordon__Robert Kelly__?__Jimmy Johnstone.
The Clubs Centenary was marked by a dinner and ball in the Royal Hotel
Thanks are due to Sam Kelly for posting these images of the Club on his Facebook page
And finally a teaser “Which Cup?”
Spectators looking on are, Jack Rae,Melville Rae,Jim Kean,—Poy Campbell,Maggie Muir,Bob Guthrie,Jock Hiddleston,Willie Muir.
Sorrell__Jimmy Mc Quarrie ? ? ? Davy McCulloch__?__Johny Duncan.
Davy Cruikshanks_? ? __Bobby Ferguson__Jimmy Crossan.
The Chap with the bunnet has been identified as Robert Paterson 9 Kilndale. His son Jackie moved away after joining the RAF.