McCALL, Willie (1944)

Overview

Willie was born in Glasgow on 14th November 1920 and was one of three signings from Blantyre Victoria in 1944. That was the year in which he was in the losing side in the Scottish Junior Cup Final at Hampden against Glasgow Perthshire. He had been with Bridgeton Waverley prior to joining up at Castle Park.

Accies first played him as a trialist with his two junior colleagues. He scored twice that day and was marked down for the future and on being signed he was an ever present the following season in League and Cup matches. He was watched by Motherwell in May 1945 with a view to him going to Fir Park.

In November, Aberdeen offered £1,000 for him, this was turned down, they then upped their figure by £500 and he was transferred to Pittodrie. On the 19th April 1947 he picked up a Scottish Cup Winners medal when the Dons beat Hibernian 2-1 in front of 82,100 at Hampden Park. A fortnight earlier he was on the losing side when Rangers beat them 4-0 in the League Cup final when the attendance was almost identical. He played in 42 League games and scored 8 times, his tally in Scottish and League Cup ties was 23 appearances and 7 goals.

His next move was to Newcastle United, this came on 3rd January 1948, for a fee of £8,400, following the match against Motherwell at Pittodrie. His stay at St James’ Park was short, on 30th December it was announced that he had been transferred to the Fir Park club for a fee of £5,500 as a full timer. This was on the same day as another former Accie, Johnny Aitkenhead also moved to Motherwell, from Hibernian for £100 less.

Willie then moved on again on 19th September 1950 when he was transferred to Third Lanark at a cost of £3,000 to the Crosshill club.

On his retirement he settled in Glasgow and was employed by Marley Tiles for many years.

A diminutive figure at 5’6”.

Debut on 3rd January 1944 in a Southern League match at home to Heart of Midlothian in which he scored twice.

Southern League 37 Appearances 8 Goals

Summer Cup 2 Appearances

Summer League Cup 6 Appearances 2 Goals

Accies Career

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