BUCHAN, Willie (1941)

Overview

Grangemouth born on 17th October 1914, Willie was signed by Celtic from Grange Rovers in 1933 in face of opposition from Rangers who were also after “ the most promising newcomer to senior football “ as he was later dubbed. He was a penalty expert. His move to Blackpool came as a shock to the Parkhead faithful, as he was a great favourite with his wonderful ability with the ball, a typical Scottish inside forward. Tall and strong, he stood 5’11” and was 11sts 3lbs.

He returned to Celtic on loan in 1939 and thereafter followed a catalogue of clubs all anxious to use his services. Stenhousemuir, then Manchester United, Leicester City, Man United again, Accies in May 1941 then again in January 1943, next came Fulham, back to Hamilton in January 1945, Released by Accies in June 1945 to return to his club, Blackpool.

Then back to Stenhousemuir once again before returning to Blackpool in 1946. With Hull City, where in 40 outings he netted 12 goals, while at Gateshead from 1949 to 1951 his figures were 88 and 16. He was coach with Gateshead for a year before moving to Coleraine as player/manager in July 1953. At the age of 40 years and 11 months he joined East Stirling.

Willie was capped in the match versus England at Hampden in April 1943. In an English League Cup match on 8th February 1941, Blackpool beat Stockport County 9-2, “Jock” Dodds scored 8 of them and Willie was credited with setting every one of them up.

During the war he was PT Instructor in the RAF. One of his hobbies was playing billiards. His death was reported in July 2003.

Debut in a Summer Cup tie away to Rangers on 26th June 1941.

Southern League 8 Appearances 6 Goals

Summer Cup 3 Appearances

Summer League Cup 11 Appearances 5 Goals

Accies Career

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