KIRKWOOD, Andrew (1922)

Overview

Apprenticed to a blacksmith at Dalserf at the age of fourteen, he then took up work at a Netherburn colliery and while there he appeared for the local junior club before going to Parkhead Juniors. He was at centre half for them when they won the Scottish Junior Cup in 1920 at Hampden in a 2-0 win over Cambuslang Rangers. Signed by Rangers he was mainly in their reserve side.

David Buchanan brought him to Douglas Park in December 1922 on loan. After a year he was released as younger players were introduced by the new manager.

Ayr United also used him on loan against Airdrieonians in the Scottish Cup in 1924. Two years later he was playing with St Johnstone but had lost a bit of pace, while in 1930 he was in the Stenhousemuir eleven which lost 6-0 to Accies in the Scottish Cup at Douglas Park.

Later that same year he helped out Accies youngsters in the Scottish Alliance League for the reserve sides. He was a popular man in 1930 as he also assisted Royal Albert when they met Greenock High School in the Second Round of the Scottish Qualifying Cup. In the 1931 close season he was one of over 350 senior players to apply for reinstatement and he was successful which led to him joining Stonehouse Violet with whom he was the mainstay of their defence.

The following season he had cast his lot with a young Douglasdale Juniors side where his vast experience, not to mention an odd goal or two, was invaluable to the Crabtree Park side. The following year he again moved when he was one of Royal Albert’s new signings in 1933. As a result of that move he collected a Lanarkshire League winners medal.

His playing career continued at the start of the next season when he moved to Burnbank Athletic. A talented and above average musician, he had his own dance band at one time. He was a hotelier in Lesmahagow in his retirement. His brother Dan was also a signed player with Rangers.

Andrew was 5’9” and weighed in at 12sts. Born in Ashgill.

Debut on 2nd December 1922 at home to Morton in a Scottish League match which ended 1-1.

Scottish League 19 Appearances 2 Goals

Scottish Cup 4 Appearances

Accies Career

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