Biography

As a player Robert played with Blackhill United Under-18s and then with their under-21 side at first class juvenile level.

Robert then moved to Easterhouse where he started Wellhouse AFC on 12th September 1976 as Secretary and has been a one club man ever since.

Wellhouse AFC joined the Airdrie & Coatbridge League in September 1982 and were part of the membership when the League became the McEwans Central Scottish League in 1988 and he has been a member of the League's Executive Committee since 1984.

Robert advised me that his highlight in his time in amateur football was when Wellhouse AFC lifted the West of Scotland Cup at Bellast Stadium, home of Hamilton FC on 10th May 2004. After a tense final they managed to defeat their "old friends" Dumbarton Academy FP AFC of the Caledonian League, 4-1 on penalty kicks.

Over the years Wellhouse have won a number of trophies within the Central Scottish AFL including the Cinema Cup twice. The first time in their first season in the League as a 3rd Division club and Robert advises me that this is a unique record for a 3rd Division club to win the Cinema Cup in their first season. Looks like that record could be around for a while yet.

Other honours include winning the McAvoy & McIntyre Trophy twice, League Cup winners twice and James Mutch Trophy winners twice also.

Another unique achievement for Robert and Wellhouse AFC was the winning of the Diamond Jubilee Trophy, played to celebrate the League's 60th anniversary. Wellhouse AFC beat Garrowhill Thistle AFC in the final at Vale of Clyde juniors park by 2 goals to nil. For once he couldn't give me the date....well he is getting on a bit!

I am sure you will agree Robert is one of the true gentlemen of the Central Scottish League and we hope many more successful years and diligent service, lie ahead of him for both his beloved Wellhouse AFC and the Central Scottish League.

15th April 2010