McMILLAN, Lachie (1921)

Overview

Lachie was a pupil of Bent School and was honoured as a schoolboy. In 1919 he moved from Larkhall Thistle to Petershill Juniors. It was while he was with Rutherglen Glencairn that he was persuaded to put pen to paper for Accies, this was in 1921. He was a worker at inside right or left. In January 1922 a local businessman, Mr Felix Marcocilli, presented him with a gold medal as he was the clubs leading scorer from the commencement of season 1921-22 until and including the New Year games.

When the 1922-23 season opened he did not resign for Accies and moved to Royal Albert. Within a month he had returned to Accies. He was transferred to Heart of Midlothian in April 1924 for what was reported as a substantial sum days after he had scored one of Accies goals in the Lanarkshire Cup at Douglas Park which meant that the Cup stayed in Hamilton for the next twelve months as Royal Albert were beaten 3-0 in he Final.

A press report stated that he scored a hat trick on his debut for Heart of Midlothian, it may have been in a Roseberry Cup match. Unable to command a regular place in the Gorgie Road side, he was transferred on loan to Partick Thistle in September 1932. A year later he returned to Heart of Midlothian and in his first game back with them he was carried off with torn ligaments.

Another loan period was served with Aberdeen or “The Wasps” as they were better known due to their black and yellow jerseys at that time. In February 1934 he was once again off on loan, this time to Third Lanark where he was joined by Bobby Howe.

He finished his playing career with the Highland League side, Elgin City, where he was equally popular. Lachie joined the Elgin club as player/manager in August 1934. The following year he led them to the winning of the Northern Section of the Scottish Qualifying Cup on 16th November 1935 against Blairgowrie in Inverness before an attendance of 4,202.

The Hamilton Advertiser reported in 1942 he was playing for his unit while in the RAF. Two years later he was still turning out for them and it was said that Derby County sought his services, which he declined.

He was of average height at 5’8” and weighed 11sts.

Debut on 1st January 1921 at home to Motherwell in a Scottish League fixture

Scottish League 111 Appearances 33 Goals (1 Hat trick)

Scottish Cup 16 Appearances 9 Goals

Lanarkshire Cup 7 Appearances 2 Goal

Accies Career

Links and References

- Read the fans' memories, or add your own, via this link.

- Please contact us if you have any information that will improve this page or if you spot any mistakes.