Alistair Smith says

Excellent feature! Can we have more of this Millport nostalgia?
It was nice to be reminded of two old faces in the picture, Bud and Tommy Gillian jnr, who were true gentlemen. How did the Finlayson family come to "sponsor" this cup?
I don't recognise the goalkeeper?

M Janette McGeoch says

I was delighted to see mention of the Finlayson Cup. My Father was Tommy Gillan, a keen football fan who had played for Airdrie and Largs Thistle. He enjoyed coaching the young lads of Millport. My brother Tommy is standing immediately behind Enid Finlayson in the picture of the presentation.

M Janette McGeoch says

I was told by my Father that Jimmy Finlayson had been a real friend to him when he was a young man and they remained friends and football fans for many years. When Mr. Finlayson died it is my understanding that my Father instigated a trophy in his memory. I heard all the stories as I was growing up but unfortunately I am only now realizing I should l have paid more attention! I too love the Millport nostalgia.

allan sinclair says

I remember one particular game when things were not going our way this gentleman came up to us and addressed me and said "Allan use whole width of the pitch create more space in the wide areas", anyway we listened and finally did as he suggested and won the match. This occurred in a few games he gave us a wee talk at half time, I was curious to find out who this guy was, he was seen regularly about town and as I was home on leave from the army I wasn't up with the local scene anyway. Jamsie Robertson said "Allan that guy was Johnny Little former left back of the famous Glasgow Rangers!"

allan sinclair says

Alistair the goalie was the local bobby I forget his name, we will just call him boaby for the moment!

Alistair Smith says

Thankyou Janette and Allan.

Nori Fian says

Is the trophy still played for if not why resurrect the competition, Bishopton Athletic would be interested in taking part.

allan sinclair says

I don't think so Nori I know there is a football team who play on the island and I think they play friendlies, I will ask my nephew Stephen Sinclair who plays the odd game but when I played the team spirit was fantastic on and off the park, people who were born on the island and worked in Glasgow and Paisley and wherever always turned up at the West Bay park Sat afternoon or weekday nites it was telepathy and loyalty.

Duncan Fraser says

Hi Alan, i spoke to jim kennedy on thursday and he says the keeper was local bobby called hugh mcknight or big shuggie!!, this pic brings back great memories of the finlayson cup weeks with the park lined with supporters with jim & willie mckay going round rattling the wooden boxes to collect much needed funds, always seem to remember great arguments between Campbell Templeton & Bobby Liddell or maybe it was just their passion for the game. Thanks

David Bryceland says

The Finlayson Cup was resurrected this year after a few years without it being played, with Alan Finlayson playing a major role in its revival. Unfortunately Millport lost a penalty shootout 5-4 after an exciting 5-5 draw with Tower R.S. Millport still play a full summer season every year, with games every Saturday 1pm kick off from the first weekend in June until mid August. We still play for some of the old trophies and some new ones such as the Willie McKay, Harry Garden and Stuart Fraser memorial trophies.
It is however becoming increasingly difficult to get teams to come to the island due to North Ayrshire Councils refusal to upgrade or even maintain the existing changing rooms. This has caused us to lose many annual fixtures, such as Morton, St. Mirren, Queens Park and Largs Thistle, who quite rightly refuse to ask their players to play in these conditions. This will hopefully be rectified soon as many locals are working hard at the moment to secure new facilities at West Bay.

David Bryceland says

Nori, if you send me your contact details I will pass them on to our match secretary.
david.bryceland@btopenworld.com

Campbell Templeton says

Campbell Templeton never argued with Bobby Liddell he just told him he was wrong. Passion Campbell lost his temper when Millport lost the toss to decide who should start the game maybe because he was the 5 year old mascot in 1960 when Millport lost 4 goals in the last 20mins to Penilee to lose the cup. Stewart and Jamesy Robertson played as did Sandy Smart that night. Team was run by Harry Garden.
Next time Millport reached the final team was run by Allan Eatock great guy who did great things for the football team we bought a new ball orange but it stuck to your foot and West Kilbride broke Millport hearts again. The reverse fixture 25 years since it was first played for so the big celebration. Willie Murdoch Alistair Leitch Billy Burns Ian Mc Williams graced the West Bay Park that night. In the next few years saw just as good younger players grace the West Bay Park Mitchell Counsell Gordon Mackay the Sharp brothers Micky Righetti and many more who went on to please the holiday makers and locals in winning the Finlayson Cup.
Great days and great days for the pubs in the town who did roaring business.
Many teams came to play Millport at that time. Even Alex Ferguson brought his young St.Mirren team to the West Bay on a wet and windy day.
Excuse me not mentioning all the special players that played at this time there is no space but every player was extra special and a pleasure to play beside.
CT

allan sinclair says

Bobby Ma ba Liddel as we remember Campbell if Bobby ran into space and never got the ball he gave you a right shericking, but what Bobby forgot his unselfish runs created space for the rest of the team, what we call decoy and movement off the ball team work and sometime Bobby forgot those aspects or wasn't aware of them, but he was good on his day and that was the characters that made the team Millport on and of the park!

allan sinclair says

Well Campbell I found an old photo with some of the guys you mentioned!

allan sinclair says

Campbell I think this photo is from 1972-4, anyway not far off, back row --T Gillan Alistair Leach, yourself, Goalie from Paisley?? K Cameron, D Kelly, ? front row William Templeton, Allan Sinclair, Allan Eatock, Dennis Kelly Billy Burns, I know I was on leave from the army so, correct year if wrong and fill in missing names please!

Campbell Templeton says

Your there or there abouts Alan 1972 I would say. Do not know the goalkeeper but on his right is Ian Buchanen married to Brenda Smith ,stays in Beith. Last man standing is Ronnie Leitch who died quite a number of years ago. Maybe you do not know but Alistair Leitch is now in a home down in Saltcoats in Kanal st. Last time I visited him he was quite poorly. Thats a great photo Alan did not know my brother could play football!!! I put a lot of photo's into the museum last time I was home Alan maybe if you look in it could help this site

allan sinclair says

Campbell thanks for telling me, I met his wife in Millport and she filled me in on all the news it's sad but I will remember the pair of them a couple terriers when on the park and a wee bit explosive, nice hearing from you Campbell, dig out the old ones!

Campbell Templeton says

In the 1977 photo the boy in the back not in the dress is a boy called John Lappin who was from Largs who was one of the most gifted players that ever played for Millport in those successful 20 years. He scored one of the most fantastic goals ever seen at the West Bay park volleying the goalkeepers kick up the park back over the keepers head and directly into the net. There were many gifted players who played for Millport at that time and John was one!

allan sinclair says

Well Campbell you are right about John and you must have remebered my goal against Atholl Thistle (Chivas Regal) from the halfway line first time volley from the centre circle came of the bar hit the keeper on the back of the head and into the net but mine was a fluke , we ran out 8 nil winners that day

Neil Mcphail says

Love the memories can remember sitting watching the games. Some real blasts from the past. Good to see the photos.

allan sinclair says

As a foot note out regular referee was Mr Beattie who wore a hearing aid , so any abuse was not heard so booking were not paramount for dissent , only visual tackles , one such match against Queens Park the manager Eddie Hunter was giving us all sorts of abuse , swearing and individual character references , i spoke to Mr Hunter told him cut it out this is a holiday island his language was disgraceful and young children and families were presen t he told told me to f------off , i grabbed mr Beattie and with his aid plugged in informed him of the situation , trustworthy as he was he took my side and tore into Eddie Hunter his Face was a peach , Many years later i bumped into Mr Beattie as he was Assistant Headteacher at Linwood High and we had a good old banter about that day !

allan sinclair says

Afew other names who played with me for Millport was Ian Williamson sadly no longer with us, Ian was a goalie come emergency centre forward , tower of a man , was Jock Steins last signing for Celtic , spent some time playing for Hong Cong Rangers , his family had been coming to Millport for many a year and were well known along with Ian a character a giant in stature and nature will be sadly missed !also names like Eddie Doig ,Russel Doig who had spells with Leeds and i think Doncaster , Ronnie Cant Goalie played for Queens Park also Jim Hastie who is or was President of Queens Park Davie Morton , the ministers boy , Umberto Righetti , and his cousin who sadly has MS of Millport cafe fame and a few more that have escaped my memory !

alison minton says

Hi My name is Alison Minton nee Finlayson. I am the daughter of the late Jim Finlayson JNR. I have a picture I will add which must be the sixties with gran Finlayson presenting the cup.

ciaran sinclair says

Hi allan [papa] how does things slip out your memory

allan sinclair says

Alison looking forward to seeing it I know there are a lot of old pictures going about but some of older guys don't know this site is up and running or can or don't have a pc or can not use them so guys and girls spread the word and Ciaran I will explain the latter when I meet you Saturday!

ciaran sinclair says

Thanks for explaining.

allan sinclair says

My apoligies for forgetting the two most chalk and cheese brothers Micky and John Sharp , Micky a flamboyant player in the mould of bestie and John a stalwart like defender no messing man clinical and producing

Campbell Templeton says

Lets not forget Denis Kelly who was also a Millport stalwart centre forward in the earlier days. I never forget him destroying the hopes of the Glasgow Police side  with an amazing hatrick at the West Bay Park.. Gordon Mackay who followed him as acentre forward I am sure designed hisgame on Denis's destructive running and technique.!

allan sinclair says

Campbell i think you must be comparing him to a n amateur version of Ted Mcminn as far as i can remember a helva temper lost the tottie a few times scored a few memorable goals and gave us a laugh to boot !

David Templeman says

Guys, while you are all arguing about Cammy and Liddell, you are forgetting who made the team tick, I'm too modest to say but someone has to.

allan sinclair says

Thats why we did`nt say we were just waiting davie , what took you so long Maradona !

allan sinclair says

Well guys and gals got a great photo my sister law sent me, and my dad is in it, never knew he played with Millport, but any more info on it please post it.

allan sinclair says

Millport Amateurs?

allan sinclair says

Front row fourth from the left Johnnie Little Glasgow Rangers fame my dad never mentioned this!

ciaran sinclair says

wow papa i have never known your dad played with millport fc! cool.

Campbell Templeton says

Allan that picture is a classic! Congratulations on coming up with that one. There are people there I never new kicked a ball. Ian Fraser , Tommy Hood and your Dad. Johnny Little and Tommy Gillan and Newton Gilmour we all new played . Willie Woodhouse a name from the past to did not get the last name back row. Amazing great superb but its funny when you come up with the names then I start to see them being at West Bay watching when we played espeically  Finlyson Cup time!

David Templeman says

Hey allan, you know me, just my usual relaxed style, good to read about the Finlayson again, the pic of the 77 team is excellent, maybe we should get them together for a game

allan sinclair says

Thanks to Jannet Mcgeogh for lending the picture, I have a sneaky feeling the guy Graham Anderson next to Johnny Little was a Rangers player, anyway Davie, do think we are up to it maybe a wee 5 aside at the west bay park, but good idea of a reunion!

David Templeman says

im sure we would manage it Allan, you never lose the skill just the energy

Michael Righetti says

From the late 1970's thru to the early 1980's , Millport Amateurs displayed a wealth of talent second to none, playing every Saturday and Sunday during the summer months against top opposition from Glasgow and the west of Scotland. Teams such as St. Mungo's F.P's,  Polllok Juniors, Strathclyde Police, Morton,  and Queens Park, immediately spring to mind as some of the most difficult games we played.  Not bad opposition as a warm up for the Finlayson Cup !    I can't remember which year it was but we went right thru a whole summer unbeaten (including weekly Tuesday night games against. the 'Visitors').  

         To go on an unbeaten run like that, a team needs strength in depth and with 18 - 20 or so players turning up each week hoping to get picked, 'the gafffer'  Willie Mackay brought in assistant Jamesie Robertson to help him pick , in Willies words , a team of   f-----g prima donnas !!

    It was a privilege to play with the following players and to understand how difficult it must have been for Willie and Jamesie to drop some players each week , see if you can pick a side ( in a 4-3-3 formation) from the following list  ..........

My apologies to anyone  I have mistakenly left out.

GOALKEEPER :   Ronnie Cant , Ian Houston, Willie Murdoch

DEFENDERS :     Mitchell Counsell ,  Freddie Elliot , Campbell Templeton, Davy Morton, Micky Righetti, Billy Burns, John Sharp, Sandy McDonald, Umberto Righetti

MIDFIELD:      Bobby Liddel, Davy Templeman, Alistair Leitch, Allan Sinclair, Gary Rankin, John Lappin, Quinten Mills,  Ally Lindsay,

FORWARDS :   Ian McWilliams, Gordon Mackay, Mikey Sharp, Russell Doig,  Gary Milroy, Jamie Sharp

ciaran sinclair says

Glad to have you aboard Michael hope all is well mate , good summary on the The port

David Bryceland says

MILLPORT

V

MILLPORT LEGENDS

MILLPORT WILL PLAY A TEAM OF MILLPORT LEGENDS ON THE 24^TH JULY 1PM KICK OFF AT WEST BAY PARK

WE HAVE BEEN IN TOUCH WITH A LOT OF FORMER PLAYERS BUT SOME ARE PROVING DIFFICULT TO TRACK DOWN. IF YOU ARE OR KNOW A FORMER PLAYER PLEASE GET IN TOUCH, AS WE WOULD BE DELIGHTED TO SEE AS MANY LEGENDS AS POSSIBLE, EVEN IF YOU CAN ONLY MANAGE 5 MINUTES.

allan sinclair says

Great idea , Davie Templeman was talking about this count me in boys , looking forward to it

allan sinclair says

Willie (BIll) Murdoch who played along side me in goal for Millport amatuers but did you know he was an actor and had many parts big and small ,on tv Taggart and some films Llike Braveheart ,Gangs of New York , Tutti Fruti  and many more as i can remember he lived at Fairhaven

allan sinclair says

see web site Bill Murdoch www.imdb.com/name/nm0613744/filmogenre

allan sinclair says

Did you know Sandy Smart who played for Millport was Queens Park Rangers grounds man until they started using artifical turf1

ciaran sinclair says

hi guys i just want to wish millport legends and millport lots of luck especily my papa allan sinclair i will be at the game waching my papa play good luck

allan sinclair says

Won everthing we entered for the Mcpherson , John Brown , Finlayson , Mckinnie cups

allan sinclair says

Victors Complete ! Millport Football team

allan sinclair says

sometime in the 1980s

allan sinclair says

A COLOURFUL MILLPORT TEAM

allan sinclair says

Legends winning team on penalty kicks after a 4-4 draw

allan sinclair says

Millport and Millport Legends , the Legends victors in a thrilling 4-4 each draw and winning 4-3 on penalties

allan sinclair says

Apart from the Finlaysons in the backgroung Johnny Little , Jimmy Calder, Tommy Gillan, photo courtesy Heather Mcbay

Campbell Templeton says

Bad year for Millport when Brain Connick in photo is lifting the Cup. Captain of TNPG the team from Nuclear Power Station. All Largs boys mostly. Always a hard team to beat . Brian was a real stalwart and his brother was also a good footballer with Peter Valerio also with the team. Millport had some great matches against them. Any team from Largs was always hard to beat.

allan sinclair says

Campbell i played with Brian for Largs Vics then played against him for Millport we had a ding dong if you can remember first time i saw Brian lose it !he was all for fisty cuffs !

allan sinclair says

Names to follow

Campbell Templeton says

Good photo Allen I can give you all the names it was taken in 1955

Campbell Templeton says

Good photo Allen I can give you all the names it was taken in 1955

Campbell Templeton says

Allan here is another photo.Later I would say. I know the goalkeeper My Father Jack Templeton and maybe there is a Stevenson back row right at the end would love to know the others. Could be about 1930!

Need to ask older Millport men about this one that are in there 70's

allan sinclair says

well campbella cracker  i could not reconise anyone but im sure some body out there  does , maybe wee jamsie robertson

Campbell Templeton says

Hi Alan, The person maybe who could give us names on the older photo would be Hecter McKinnon. Maybe Jean Kerr will pick up on this and he could have a look and fill us in. It would be interesting. I am sure back right player is Jimmy Stevenson. This is an oldie somebody help us out and give us some names. Please!!!

ian cumming says

I spent a lot of my youth in Millport. My parents had a wee house in Ritchie Street. Watching the Finlayson Cup was great for a football fanatic like me and i rarely missed a match during the summer. One Match i do remember was in the mid 70's when Alex Ferguson brought over his St Mirren Team ( who i actually support) The Saints won the game 6-0 although i cant remember too much about it. Does anyone know the date of the Match, Teams & Scorers etc ? If there is any photos from the day it would be great to see them. I've enjoyed reading the past memories.

allan sinclair says

Sad news , Brian Connick an old adversary and playing friend has passed away in largs xmas day im sure all who knew him will pass on their condlences to his family , a stalwart and a great guy !

Campbell Templeton says

To answer or help Ian Cummings comment. I reckon the date of the game against St.Mirren was first week in August 1971. Could not tell you teams but know Fitzpatrick played as did McGarvey for St.Mirren. For Millport Ronnie Cant was in goal Billie Burns played Myself Campbell Templeton and the late Ian Mc Williams also played on a wet slippy windy park. Score half time was 5-0 we lost one goal second half we were 3 down after twenty mins if my memory serves me right . With Alex Fergueson on the side was Davie Provan as a Trainer.

allan sinclair says

Legends 3- millport ams 1 

allan sinclair says

Once again the legends out gunned the Millport young guns 3-1 a close game with two penalties and a well worked 5 touch second goal the match was played in good spirit Michael Rigehtti presenting the trophy to allan sinclair !