Biography

George started his career in amateur football in 1962 when he became the first Secretary and founder member of Gartcosh United AFC. The club joined the Airdrie and Coatbridge AFL and in 1964, he was elected to the Emergency Committee.

In 1967 he was elected as League Secretary, a position he won't give up even after 43 years.

He states that there has been much change over the years the biggest of which was the league's change of name in season 1970/71 to the Central Scottish Amateur Football League.

The league had expanded over the years and it was felt that the new name would more reflect the geographical area in which it was by now operating in.

It was in 1977 and due to the pressure of work (WHAT!!!), that he retired from Gartcosh United AFC to devote his time to the CSAFL. However as he states you never lose the passionate way you feel for your club, and even to this day follows the results and progress of his beloved Gartcosh United AFC, wishing them well, unless they are playing a Central Scottish team of course.

During the late 70's and early 80's he led the Central Scottish AFL through further change. A new league set up was introduced, attracting new entrants and in 1987 the league would change dramatically. A sponsorship deal was negotiated with Scottish & Newcastle Breweries Ltd that was way ahead of its time. That sponsorship was more of a partnership and George was determined that both parties would benefit from the arrangement.

Due solely to his hard work over these years that sponsorship continues to this day, and has immense financial benefits to the league and its member clubs.

George has served the Scottish Amateur Football Association over many years, serving as a member of Council and being nominated and elected to a number of the Association's Committee's such as the Executive & Finance Committee, Appeals Committee, National Disciplinary Committee (South), International Committee and the Constitutional Review Committee.

It was in 1988 that he was appointed Honorary Treasurer of the SAFA and has enjoyed being involved with the financial operations of the Association during his term in office.

He was honoured in 1985 when he received Life Membership of the Scottish Amateur Football Association.

He has been and remains the main driving force behind the growth and progress of the Central Scottish Amateur Football League and kicks every ball for his clubs whenever he is watching them....well kicks it as well as George can!!!

The Central Scottish AFL has been very fortunate to have been able to call on his administrative skills over these near 50 years and undoubtedly would not been in the position it is today without his leadership.

George has a passion for his League which is beyond comparison but if anyone remains in any doubt about his committment I would ask you to stand next to him during a League Representaive match or a National or District cup tie involving a Central Scottish team. I can assure you an experience you will remember for a long time after.

23rd April 2010