Donald Ford

Season 1963/64 passed in a flash. No doubt the fact that we had a pretty useful squad, which enjoyed every minute of training and playing ( how could it be otherwise with the like of Bert Allan, Willie Campbell, Jimmy Hynd, Kenny Gillespie and Sandy Myles around, to name but a few?!). I learned more in one short season at Newtown than I did in ten previous years of school and Juvenile football - a lot of it of an X-certificate nature, granted, especially from the older lads who had enjoyed spells in Senior football and were only too keen to pass on "advice" and constructive ( or in Sandy's case, destructive! ) suggestions.

There were some great games; 6-4 for us at Dunbar. 4-1 for us v. Bonnyrigg Rose. A terrific 3-3 draw at Arniston with boots and fists flying everywhere and 1500 spectators only a hair's breadth from the Sherriff Court on the following Monday - that's what Junior football was all about! Then Dunbar ( or rather, Archie Meikle ) murdered us 6-1 in the East of Scotland Cup Final, second replay, after two draws at Tynecastle. But we won the St.Michael's at Easter Road and all was forgiven; the streets of Bo'ness were lined by thirteen people, a man and his dog and the local milkman when we came back triumphantly with the trophy!!

For some reason, somebody from the Hearts saw something in me that hadn't been particularly obvious to myself and - all too quickly - I was elevated to senior football after one brief season at the club. It was, nevertheless, and always will be, an unforgettable eight months. How sad that the present Scottish game - or rather those who supposedly control it, cannot see the benefit of youngsters being "groomed" for Senior football by a season with the Juniors. It's the perfect apprenticeship, but who am I to suggest that when so many wizards are in charge of our soccer destiny.........

Best wishes to all at Newtown - thanks for a great time and terrific memories.