Third Lanark AC Online

JOE McINNES THIRD LANARK AC 1956 - 1963

TRIGGER HAPPY JOE’S RECORD BREAKING DEBUT

Only three hours after signing for Third Lanark AC on 11th August 1956, Joe McInnes netted five glorious goals for the Hi Hi’s in an 8-2 romp against Stenhousemuir in that seasons’ opening League Cup game. A magnificent debut.

It was a Cathkin glory day for Thirds and a personal triumph for Joe as the wee man displayed his full repertoire of skills to demolish the opposition. Bobby Craig, George Dobbie & Tommy Wark completed the rout, with Stenny grabbing only two goals in reply.  He became an instant hit with the fans, who all went on to thoroughly enjoy the scintillating wings runs, pin point crosses & relatively deadly finishing of Cathkin’s artful dodger.

Previously Joe had played with Partick Thistle, giving them five seasons excellent service and entertaining the Firhill faithful until 1956, when he moved south to Accrington Stanley.  His sojourn there was short and six months later he joined the Hi Hi’s where he was more than content to spend the following 7 seasons.

His massive contribution to Thirds is conveniently captured in the following statistics: 

Season         Appearances       Goals
1956/57               41                14
1957/58               45                 4
1958/59               26                 8
1959/60               30                 6
1960/61               34                 8
1961/62               30                 6
1962/63               23                 8

A Grand total of 54 Goals in 229 Games. What price in today’s grossly inflated transfer market for a superb entertainer and valuable goal machine?

The true value of McInnes to Thirds was evident when he regularly held his place in possibly Thirds’ finest ever forward line - Jimmy Goodfellow, Dave Hilley, Alex Harley, Matt Gray and Joe McInnes, (the 100-up quintette).

An amusing incident took place between Clyde & Thirds at Shawfield on 2nd January 1958. The late stages of this match found Thirds 5-0 ahead (with the final score 5 - 2). Keeper Jocky Roberston had collected a pass back, when Joe screamed “Jocky, to me”. The keeper duly obliged and McInness chose to stop the ball and sit on it for a few seconds. Even the Clyde players stood transfixed, at least and until Clyde’s Joe Colrain decided to act. He raced in to tackle Joe, who simply passed the ball back to Jocky. On the final whistle Colrain challenged Joe, who calmly told him “I was really doing you a favour. The way we played today every attack almost brought a goal - at least when I sat on the ball you got your breath back.” !!!! Typical McInnes.

After leaving Thirds Joe played with Stirling Albion, and Bangor in N.I. under the management of ex Celtic man Charlie Tully.

Joe McInnes - A very belated thanks for the Hi Hi Memories.