Third Lanark AC
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Please scroll down to see the obituaries of...
- George Dobbie
- Feliks Staroscik
- Jimmy Goodfellow
George Dobbie - Third Lanark AC Centre Forward 1951 - 1957
George signed for Thirds from Stoneyburn Juniors late 1951, and provided sterling service for the club, particularly during 1952-54 seasons. National service duties delayed his debut, and injuries later in his Cathkin career, also curtailed his appearances.
Nevertheless he played 69 first team games, scoring a remarkable 36 goals, in the process. Every one was valuable, but later I will highlight a few examples of his instinctive sense of the quickest route to goal - which today's top strikers would be proud to possess.
His goal average of one every second game would still be extremely difficult to beat - added to his uncanny skills in setting up many others with precision passes galore. What price George Dobbie in today's transfer market?
It should be remembered at this point that George & Thirds were playing in the old Scottish First Division - the equivalent of today's SPL and the opposition consisted of the top Scottish players of that time. I know the family has been made aware of an amusing incident concerning George when he was in the side that played rangers at Cathkin on one occasion. The 'gers defensive wall consisted of Willie Woodburn, George Young and three others and in one of Dobbie's attacking runs up the field, he left ‘woodie’ stranded for the umpteenth time. Minutes later the big man approached him to say – “Hi George, if you try that again, I'll give you a free flight into the stand!” An ultimatum, only minutes earlier he had given also to Ally McLeod. Fright not flight continued in that Rangers defense in that match.
Turn the clock back now - 57 years, and join me in cheering on the Hi Hi’s as they ran out at Annfield Park, Stirling, at 3pm. On Saturday 22nd march, 1952 George Dobbie was making his debut in the following side: Robertson, Phillips, Gordon, Kennedy, Duncan, Jamieson, Goodall, Miller, Dobbie, Gallagher and McLeod.
90 minutes later, a glorious double from George had given Thirds a share of the points, and George the man of the match tag.
He also played a big part in Thirds, two Scottish Cup semi final games against Aberdeen at Ibrox in 1953, sadly going out in the replay.
On 8th August 1953 at Recreation Park Alloa, thousands of Thirds' fans & I was one of them, screamed with delight as they watched their heroes hammer ten goals into the Wasps net, without reply - and George netted four, his own best achievement.
Only two weeks later another dandy double from Dobbie set up Thirds for an unbelievable 9-1 result against Dundee united. The following side lined up in both above games -
Robertson, Balunas, Harrower, Docherty, Forsyth, Mooney, Wilson, Henderson, Dobbie, Dick, McLeod.
Time restricts further examples of this goal scoring machine in action, but my appreciation of George's football ability, has been equally matched by comments from former team mates, over many years, when contacted by me to gather information for my book "Still Seeing Red" - Cathkin legends like Jocky Robertson, Matt Balunas, Harry Mooney, Jimmy Harrower, & Jimmy Mason, all sadly now gone, confirmed their quiet admiration of Dobbie, as a man - dependable, full of integrity, his own style of humour, and above all a good friend - not to mention his God given football skills.
Cathkin park in days gone by often held over 20,000 home fans and I have no hesitation in saying now on behalf of all the fans’ who saw George Dobbie in action, proudly wearing the famous "scarlet" - George - thanks for all the wonderful memories.
May I finish with a message to the Dobbie family & friends - - Third Lanark was a club for all people - both the club and many players have now gone, (42 years ago) but will not be forgotten. Our sincere condolences to you all at this sad time.
Feliks Staroscik - Third Lanark AC June 1947-1951.
I have just received the very sad news that the man who frequently "lit up" Cathkin Park, with an abundance of soccer skills _ "STARRY" died last week, following a lengthy & courageous fight against cancer.
Son Carl, with whom I've been in regular contact over the years, confirmed this today.
On behalf of all former Hi Hi fans, I know I can offer to Carl & the family, sincere condolence at this very sad time.
Starry made his Thirds' debut against Dundee on Saturday 30th August 1947
& almost instantly became a big favourite with the fans, and with very good reason.
Only two weeks previously Dundee had hammered Thirds 5 - 0 in a League Cup match, but Staroscik virtually took personal revenge on Dundee with a scintillating wing display, that helped them to a glorious 5- 1 victory. Although not appearing on the score sheet, he set up three of the five goals. Adam McCulloch netted a hat trick & Young & Bobby Mitchell, completed the rout.
Banner Press headlines the following day screamed -
" Pole Star guides Thirds home "
"Hi Hi Hi For superb Polish - ed display"
"Cathkin's new star shines brightly".
Sadly for Thirds Starry was transferred to Northampton Town on 21st July 1951, before moving on to Bedford to complete his football career. Not surprising that he chose to continue " lighting up " everyone thereafter through his Electrical Business in Bedford, as had been his Football habit throughout a distinguished career. That little heard adage completely fitted this man - HE PLAYED FOR THE JERSEY.
Thanks for the memories Starry.
Jimmy Goodfellow - Third Lanark AC
A very sad announcement was made to those present at the 'Tribute to Third Lanark' evening with regard to the death of Thirds' former winger, Jimmy Goodfellow on April 1st 2011. This provided much sombre reflection.
Jimmy, of course, was part of possibly Thirds' finest ever attack force. In season 60/61 every SFL club defence cringed at the thought of facing Goodfellow, Hilley, Harley, Gray and McInnes, who between them scored 88 of the 100 league goals netted that season. Words can never fill the void left by the passing of a loved one, but we do send to the Goodfellow family our sincere condolences at this sad time. To Jimmy we can only say - 'Thanks Jimmy for the wonderful memories'.
Bert Bell.