ST ANDREWS COLTS HISTORY 1976 - PRESENT DAY
St Andrews Colts FC was formed in 1976 by Colin Mackay & Matt Sinclair and played their first ever League game in the Dundee & District Youth Football League on 22nd August away to Kennoway, the team colours that were adopted were that of Dumbarton FC the score was 2 - 2. Duncan Niven & James Sinclair scored the goals and the team, in 4-3-3 formation was as follows: Alan Russell, Martin Breen, Duncan Niven, Paul Kerr & Ian Duncan : Steven Gould, James Mackie & James Sinclair : Derek Kirk, James Band & Ronald Christie. The Substitutes were Steven Finlay & Shaun Cairns.
That was the start, and the team, having got over first night nerves, relished the idea of a home game at Recreation Park (courtesy of St Andrews United) against Celtic Boys Club from Dundee who were undefeated in the previous season. St Andrews were not expected to win. The 3 - 3 draw surprised both sides but the news of the arrival of the Colts would reverberate over the Tay.
The first win was a remarkable one. At Drumgeith Park against Whitfield, another new team, Colts won 10 - 1. What a way to celebrate a trip to Dundee
By the end of October, the team had played 8, won 2, drawn 4 & lost 2 had scored 32 goals and conceded 20 collecting 8 points. The majority of the goals had been scored by James Sinclair, James Band , James Mackie & Duncan Niven. in mid-season, Kenneth Lamont, Donald McGeoch, Kevin Martin, Brian Shepherd, Ian Gardner and the Anderson twins joined and all players had to officially sign a Yellow Registration form.
The rest of the season was spent in the middle of the League. The team duly performed and shocked a few teams at home. By April, Matt and I had our thoughts set on development both on and off the field. Already Billy Kirk and Billy Martin had become interested in proceedings.
The first year had satisfied our aims of ensuring a start to the Youth football in the area, but there was the question of creating St Andrews Colts Football 'Club'.
The formation of the team was mainly due to Matt Sinclair. in managerial terms, he had financed the start, become Chief Administrator, transport organiser and taken on many roles to keep the Club going. Fund raising was done through good-will but a more formalized structure had to be composed if the Club were to continue.
Talking about transport, our mode of travel, our 'team' coach was a rather dilapidated transit van, described in the sales document as "seen, tried & approved". Primitive indeed, and I seem to remember we used park benches for seating. There were no windows at the back. (However, at least the team had the opportunity to change in the bus without embarrassment if we were late for a fixture).
Due to"bus difficulties", Mr Christie and Matt used to take their cars: everywhere was a sea of legs, back seats awash with lemonade bottles and crisp packets, and here I was trying to assess the merits of 4 - 4 - 2 in favour of 4 - 3 - 3!
It had been a difficult first season but good fun nonetheless.
At the beginning of Season 1977/78, the Club had expanded.In addition to Matt Sinclair, who became President, and Colin Mackay, who became Treasurer, Gordon Kinsley, from the school football circle took over as Secretary. Billy Kirk had been approached to look after the Coaching of new teams, and in this season a younger team (Under 13's) had been created. It was at this level that we felt we had the making of a strong team. Donald McBride was in charge. A greater ability in football, a stronger sense of loyalty and belonging, and a general awareness in self-discipline could be generated through the introduction of younger teams. This belief was to prove important in the Club's development.
The Under 15's progressed to Under 16 level, now run by Billy Martin, and with this playing format firmly established, the Colts grew in strength.
Other avenues were explored. The Club needed training facilities. The Cosmos Youth Centre was the venue for this. Literally hordes of young lads thronged the playing areas during the week. Everyone wanted to play for the "COLTS"- no wonder, with this organisation & being able to play at a Junior Park. St Andrews United were again willing to offer their facilities and the Club will always be grateful for the use of these in the early years. To help the existing coach and team managers, Dave Johnston of Dundee FC, now of Kuala Lumpar, joined the Club to offer expert advice.
What would now be in store for the Colts on the playing field?
Halfway through the season, a 5 - 1 home win against Dundee Social Club U/13's, suggested that teams would still find points hard to come by in St Andrews. This was a historic game as, according to records, it was the first article on a Colts match to be published in the St Andrews Citizen.
The team sheet is interesting; although it was an Under-13 team, a young man, Brian Batchelor, could have played in an Under-10 side. This was Brian's start to a very successful footballing career for the Colts, his School, his Region and now his University at Aberdeen.
Others such as James Mackie and Paul Kirkcaldy would go further and are mentioned later.
From this match on, regular reports appeared in the local press with headlines that suggested St Andrews had arrived in the Youth football map: "COLTS GO NAP", (a popular headline!), "SEVEN FOR COLTS", "LATE WINNER FOR COLTS". The Under 13's suffered defeat occasionally, but certainly not on a regular basis.
But what of the Under 16 team? Their League would be a difficult one to compete in. However the team had learned much from the experience of the previous year. A firm placing in the top half of the League was just reward for effort and competition. One particular fixture away to Strathtay typified the attitude of the team who earned a 2 - 2 draw. "Strathtay posed the first threat but Russell made a tremendous save deflecting the shot round the post for a corner. Later Kirk and Findlay took control of midfield with Breen challenging every ball". (St Andrews Citizen)
The weekly training sessions were paying off and Dave Seeley of Newburgh FC, assisted Dave Johnston. Also an early breakthrough was made when Derek Kirk and Jim Mackie were transferred from St Andrews to Montrose FC . Both these lads had attracted the attention of many Senior Clubs. Eventually, Jim returned to St Andrews United and still enjoys holding left-back position in the team.
Another season had passed and many Parents had helped out. It was no surprise that a Parents Association was formed, essentially to help with running costs. Although small to begin with, the Association attracted many Parents and soon expanded into a flourishing, supportive organisation. Mr Drew Brown, Mrs Lesley Niven & Mrs Cathie Kirkcaldy were instrumental in ensuring the Club's financial success. Strathkinness Village Hall was the venue for the first "Stovie Dance" and with the proceeds St Andrews Colts would greatly benefit when 3 teams (Under 12,13 & 14) started in Season 1978/79. In only two seasons the Club had become an important feature of St Andrews sporting and leisure life.
The Management Committee this year decided to cover as many games as possible for reporting in the St Andrews Citizen. This was a main feature of the Citizen's back page. Reports rained in on the Sports Editor who faithfully reproduced the lively entertaining 'writing'.
This Season could be represented by headlines. The new teams (12 & 13's) were well represented:
"HAT TRICK FOR LAWRIE", "TOO EASY FOR COLTS", "COLTS HIT ARBROATH FOR SIX", "SEMI-FINAL PLACE FOR UNDER 13'S", the ubiquitous "COLTS GO NAP". I like the alternative "KEEN CONTEST FOR COLTS" and appropriate for Christmas "COLTS GO ON A GOAL SPREE". Witty ones "COLTS CUT DOWN SHAMROCK" and "ST COLUMBUS LOST!" added a suitably light-hearted touch.
The Under 14's were equally impressive:
"LATE PRESSURE PAYS OFF FOR COLTS", "GATHERUM SAVES THE DAY FOR COLTS", "COLTS GO !!!!!!!", "ROBB MAKES IT 12 WINS IN A ROW", "COLTS TIRE THEM OUT" - plenty of action, a plethora of goals and excellent entertainment for the spectators. A commendable last report of the season on the 16th June began "COLTS FINISH WITH CREDIT"
Round about this time another headline appeared:
THE ST ANDREWS COLTS:
A TYPICAL SCOTTISH SOCCER PROGRAMME
It did not feature in the St Andrews Citizen, nor any British Newspapers but, in fact , in a top American Football magazine "Soccer Digest". Imagine the contents page: Eusebeo, the Star of Portugal, Rodney Marsh, his effects on American Soccer, Pele and the Beautiful game and ...... "St Andrews Colts, Successful Youth Soccer"! Writer Jerry Tracker had been visiting St Andrews and had decided to take in a Colts game. He was certainly impressed by what he saw as he included a six-page article in his Monthly Magazine. The article concentrated upon the composition of the Club, the training methods and the place of Youth football in St Andrews. The writer presented, in a clear light, the standards set both on and off the playing field. Tracker comments "The Scots character is such that hard work and creativity are revered equally and the combination seems to pay dividends". Deserved praise indeed, and all this stemmed from watching the Under 12's against Lochee Boys.
Tracker also had an eye and ear for the Romantic: beside "an afternoon when the Cathedral Spire catches the glint of the sun and the white caps of the sea dazzle the eye" is juxtaposed the eloquent renderings from the team coaches; "Yer runnin aboot and no watching", or "Let's hear ye shoutin' for th' ba', yer too square". No doubt Tracker's American readership would enjoy the ethnic!
In the following season, major changes took place in the Management Committee. Matt Sinclair stepped down as President. His enthusiasm, industry, tact and sound common sense were major factors, contributing to the performance of the Colts. For a while he still advised behind the scenes, before being elected Honorary President at the end of the season.
In his place came Ian Dochard, a business man with much experience in this type of organisation. Mr Wray MacArthur became Secretary and this partnership remains to this day.
The aims of the Club remained the same, and this meant that in season 1978/1979 over 50 boys had taken the field in Colts' colours which had now changed to Red, White & Black.
The Colts had rightly acquired the reputation of being a fair-minded Club. setting high standards of discipline and general appearance. Team work amongst the Managers contributed to this. David Batchelor, Billy Kirk (Under 12's), Bill Martin, Roy Hamilton (Under 13's) and Donald McBride, Dunc Stewart (Under 14's) were dedicated to the Club.
From August !979, the teams kept to their winning ways. At times they tried to outdo each other in goal scoring feats. The 13's had a 16 (sixteen) goal bonanza against an unfortunate Lochee side. Batchelor scored 5; later in the season 15 (fifteen) were put past Shamrock with Stuart Gatherum and Martin McKechnie sharing the honours in goal-scoring; against Arbroath the 14's scored 10 goals. Mark Connolly hit 3 and Andrew Blakey 4. The 15's won the prize for the most goals in the shortest time: 6 against Broughty, 14 against Fintry and 6 versus Arbroath.
While the two younger teams held mid-way positions in their leagues, the Under 15's challenged for the league title, holding top spot for many months. Douglas Robb had scored in the region of 60 goals. St Andrews United were aware of this and signed Robb along with Gordon Law and Michael Forgan who has settled in the centre of United's defence since 1984.
Such was the success of the teams, that the Presentation of Awards for 1979/80 was graced by the presence of Paul Sturrock, a then up-and-coming star for Dundee United FC and Mr John Donaldson, President of Dundee & District Boys League. The latter in his after-dinner address drew attention to "the respect for the quality of football played on this side of the Tay".
Players from all 3 teams had been training with Senior Fife & Dundee Clubs. Add to this the team achievements of the Under 13's in reaching the Semi-Final of the Gaitey Cup, of the Under 14's in competing in the same round in the Challenge Cup and it would surely not be long before some silver ware would be won.
We all knew of the contribution the Parents Association had made previously, but in this season, the Parents Team of Mr & Mrs Kirkcaldy, Mrs Niven,Mr & Mrs Donaldson, Mr & Mrs Finlay & Mr Batchelor had raised sufficient funds for 2 mini-buses.
Their unstinting labours were, and of course still are, a major contribution to the healthy state of the Club.
Donations and Sponsorship played it's part too. Football strips, Sweatshirts, Match Balls and offers of premises for functions were generously offered by and graciously accepted from local Firms, Business and Hoteliers.
The Boys had a role to play too and they helped with the fund-raising activities. They were all aware of what was being done for them.
Major items such as Match expenses, Coaches, Training, Trophies and Shields were part of every year's expenditure. Money had to be raised and over the Years the Committees have been supplemented. Messrs Cooper, Davidson, Collin and Mathewson have joined to form the solid financial backbone of the Club.
Other new faces appeared behind the scenes. Stewart Harley became Treasurer in place of Colin Mackay who was more involved in Fife Schools Football. He accepted the position of Honorary Vice-President for services to the Club in the early years.
Ian Donaldson, as well as being actively involved on the Parents' side, took charge of the young Under-12's with the support of Andy Cunningham.
And so, we entered what the Citizen called "COLTS BEST EVER SEASON".
The Under 15 team, under Bill Martin and Roy Hamilton, brought the first Cup to St Andrews by defeating Fintry 3 - 2 in the Final of the Heath Cup. Hutcheon, Findlay and Kempton scored the all important goals on this historical day. This team had other members who now feature in Junior and Senior football. Alan Findlay enjoys playing at Recreation Park at present while Paul Kirkcaldy has made excellent progress by being signed by Arbroath and by the time of this booklet's publication he will have visited Florida with the Arbroath squad. Again, the Colts had been successful in promoting Boys to extend their footballing careers.
Not only did the Colts win a prestigious Cup but the Under 14's nurtured by David Batchelor and Bill Kirk, took the League Championship with scores of the magnitude of 13 - 0, 10 - 0, 8 - 4 and so on. The Presentation programme below puts the Colts into the League history books.
Brian Batchelor and Willie Donaldson were rewarded by being selected for Dundee Sunday League against Strathclyde. Yet again the Club found fame abroad. Two Under 14's, Tommy Falls and Stuart Gatherum , were ambassadors for the Club by being selected for the "Dundee United" which took part in a European Tournament in France. Both boys played an all 3 matches against Continental opposition. In fact, Tommy almost went abroad the following year for the Scottish Schools. Unfortunately, he just missed selection for the National pool.
Steve Murray, of Dundee, Aberdeen & Celtic, was present at the Annual Presentation of Awards and this aptly rounded off what is still known as the most successful season to date.
It was at this time that the Club was even more aware of it's place in the Community.
One pursuit was the Managers' select: Hamilton, Brown, Kirk, MacArthur, Dochard, A Cunningham, Seeley, Dixon, Kirkcaldy, Stewart, Martin, T Cunningham, Dingwall, Woolston and McKechnie battled to a 3 - 2 victory over the Under 14's but then the "OLD BOYS" tired and were outclassed by the sharper Under 13 team immediately afterwards.
These "fixtures" enhanced the Colt's role in the town. The social community side was developing which attracted many people. The Strath dances were becoming a permanent feature in the St Andrews area calendar; coffee mornings filled the Town Hall; summer draws drew youngsters and adults alike; the Duke of Edinburgh's message to Sportsmen and women involved a young Colts side. The Club was constantly in the public eye and what was seen was impressive.
Strong relationships were built between the Club and local schools, particular Madras College for whom most of the Colts played on Saturdays. Week-end fixtures for school and Colts improved attitudes and abilities.
What started as one football team was now becoming an integral part in the life of St Andrews and area.
Furthermore, in 1981/82, the youngest ever Colts side, Under 10, was very proud to take the field as representatives of an expanding organisation. Their brand of football lifted one of the Dundee League Cups at the end of the season and noteable performance was "calculated" against Dundee Everton. The score was 27 - 0 ! This may be a Club record. This most promising team later produced 2 Boys Robbie Raeside and Greig Dochard who participated in another International competition in France. Like Falls & Gatherum they played for the Sunday League select but at Under 12 level.
As the Club developed, changes took place off the field. There was the welcome appointment of Jim Mc Kechnie as Vice-Chairman. This post had been created to accommodate Club expansion.
For the service to the club, the Matt Sinclair Trophy was introduced.
This was no award for awards sake, It was a special trophy which could be won for high standards of conduct,dedication,application and positive attitudes of loyalty over a period of years with the Colts.
The first ever award was presented by David Dodds, of Dundee United, was shared by William Donaldson and Martin Mckechnie, two model players whose careers in football are still remembered.
In the close season, Bill Kirk left to take the managership of Guardbridge United, Having been with the club from its early days, Bill contributed greatly through his intense enthusiasm and sense of fair play.
Later, the club had its fair share of newcomers, "Youngsters" in the shape of Derek Kirk and Pat Kinsley took over the under 11's.
This was an appreciated offer from the lads as they had played for the Colts from the beginning. They simply wanted to help, having been helped in the past, Ernie Woolston teamed up with Dave Batchelor with the under 10's.
The Club then decided to introduce another team at this level after the success of the previous year. Unfortunately , Bill Martin and Roy Hamilton departed after many fine years in charge of the youngsters, and the final addition was in the form of Andy Cunningham who partnered Ian Donaldson at Under -13 level.
This was the most successful side in season 1982/83, winning 21 matches in the league and scoring 185 goals in the season - a staggering total.
These boys were undoubtedly drawing the attention of football supporters and senior team scouts. Top scorers were Luis Garrido with 43 goals and Billy Sibbald with 31. This team would be well known by the team they had reached under 15 level.
As many of the Colts played for Madras College under 13's, it was no surprise that the school team won its first ever Fife Cup that year. The bond between school and club was paying dividends.
Maurice Malpas , the Scotland internationalist, ensured a very large turnout at the Awards presentation in May. Also present were all 4 Honorary members, Matt Sinclair and Colin Mackay have already been mentioned, but Bill Kirk, for services to the Club and Neil Ogston for Social and accommodation and support, were made Honorary Vice Presidents.
Dave Lyall took over as Treasurer from Stewart Harley whose financial knowledge and expertise was fully appreciated.
Despite the changes to management, the club grew from strength to strength, Since the response to the under 10 level was so great, Eric Gillespie, assisted by Dave Stewart and Jim Mackie, ran weekly coaching sessions for all the boys not playing for the under 10's. So widespread were the social and playing activities of the club that hardly an event went by without some group of youngsters participating for the Colts, And, It must be emphasis-ed that a host of adults were involved behind the scenes meetings to make sure the boys time with the club was as enjoyable as possible.
Drew Brown, Dave Donaldson, Ricky Davidson, Bob Archer, Tom Dow had roles to play on both management and parent committees. In some ways the club could have become a full time job.
The season ended with the Club reinforcing its postition as one of the towns most active social and supporting groups.
The reports at the AGM of 83/84 , reflected the standing of the club in the community at large. Mr Dochard stressed that , although silverware was an added bonus to any season, enthusiasm and participation, keenness and discipline were the most important. For those qualities, it was an excellent season. At this time Dave Donaldson and Duncan Stewart were added to the list of Honorary Vice Presidents for long term involvement and commitment to the club.
Although the teams did not win any trophies or leagues, nonetheless, the 11's, 12's and 14's were in the running to the very end of this season. what was emerging was a team pattern. The teams donned the Colts strips each season and played in the region of 90 to 100 fixtures. Jocky Scott conducted coaching sessions, Supported by Bill Fullerton and Alex Lewis. Here individual members benefited.
As we know young Raeside and Dochard played in France at Under 12 level, but in the older Under 14 group things unprecedented were taking place. The team produced 7 players for the final trials of the league select to play in the French Easter Tournament. Kevin Taylor and Guy Devereux won places to the continent with Fraser Ogston selected as a non travelling reserve. These boys, along with Ross Watson, Micheal Gray, Philip Finlay and Billy Sibbald represented Dundee League against Strathclyde. Six Colts team members were training with Dundee United and three ex colts had gained junior ranks with St.Andrews and Newburgh.
To the close season, the Matt Sinclair Trophy was once again awarded, and was only presented when the management Committee were of the opinion that there would be a deserving recipient. There was one, but he was not a player. He was an individual whose enthusiasm and drive were constant, whose loyalty was second to none, He was a chief fundraiser, chairman of the parents committee, team manager. In fact, he has been involved in all areas of the club. Mr Ian Donaldson thoroughly deserved the honour of receiving the award.
Season 1984/85 was a season of consolidation. The Committee was aware that the club would soon be having its 10th Anniversary. A reflection of what ground had been covered threw up various prominent features.
Nearly sixty youngsters were being given the opportunity of playing weekly competitive football. The Cosmos coaching sessions were also flourishing, and close links with Dens Park enabled messrs Shannon and McWilliam to conduct coaching sessions. Robert Raeside represented the league versus Strathclyde, while Colin Finlay's progress was attracting the attention of Tannadice,
The sad news this season was that the Under 15 team had come to an end of the Colts line, and most of the squad had played with the club for 5 years.
They had learned a lot and given members of the club and the public much enjoyment with their particular brand of attacking football. Fortunately, this team come under the wing of St.Andrews United and would be manged by Andy Cunningham and Eric Gillespie, who had given much to the colts since they arrived.
Ricky Davidson and Sandy Donald took their places as assistant managers.
The management committee decided to become more active, taking part in a fund-raising sponsored walk. This adventurous exercise covered 13 1/2 miles in nearly four hours, starting at the Tay Bridge and finishing in St.Andrews, Five hundred pounds was raised!!
Jim McKechnie, Bob Archer, Brian Collin, Drew Brown, David Lyall and Ian Dochard completed the 12 mile fun run and Ian's time was recorded not on stopwatch but on a calendar!
on the award front, The Matt Sinclair Trophy returned to two players, Goalkeeper Kevin Taylor and central defender Ross Watson. These boys had not only been a credit to the club in terms of football skills and attitude but also had been influential in the school team at Madras.
But perhaps the highlight of the season had been the visit of the Lea Manor school from Luton. The club committee and players acted as hosts to the school team in their visit to the St.Andrews area. During their stay the club guided their visitors round St.Andrews, entertained them at discos and beat them 6-1 at football. of course, the result was not important. Simply, another avenue of community involvement had been explored. The hospitality and camaraderie of the club was greatly appreciated by the staff and pupils of the school. It was unanimously agreed that this exchange be continued.
So, We enter the present season 1985/86. as i write this the season is reaching its frantic climax with 3 to 4 games being played weekly due to the winter backlog.
The 11's, 13's, and 14's have progressed well, entertainment everyone with positive football and carrying on their shoulders the responsibilities of what a successful club like St.Andrews Colts demands.
on the playing side , interesting statistics appear. The Under-11 team has had a late goal scoring surge:7-0, 11-0, 13-1 and 5-1. One player, alan Morris has taken his goal tally to 87 , scoring 8 in one match. Ross Duncan and Chris Peebles are showing promise in defence and midfield retrospectively. The Under 13's are stabilizing and Kevin Nicoll controls the midfield, the Under 14's respond well to encouragement and goalkeeper Graeme Cunningham plays above his age. All this augurs well for next season.
To balance previous winners of the Matt Sinclair trophy , the award this year went to another long standing committee member, Drew Brown. Drew has been involved with the Colts, especially the Parents Association, from the beginning. His organisational skills have been greatly appreciated and much of the success of the club rests with Drew.
Every Club has one special team, one which is present in every fixture- the Srtrip washing Machine!. No doubt the Donaldsons, Browns, Batchelors, Woolstons, Archers, Davidsons, Raesides and Collins efforts have been praised, and the old saying of being "The Cleanest team on the park" holds good for the Colts on more than one count.
This section concludes the History of St.Andrews Colts from 1976 to 1986. Great strides have been made in the progression of the Club.
This has been due to everyone associated with the Colts, to those who have helped with the transport, funds, donations and playing facilities, the list could be endless. But after the start made by one man, Mr M Sinclair, Mr A.J Dochard took over as president and has been responsible for creating a unified club, and for making the Colts a truly worthy and happy organisation whose sole aim is to further the positive skills and disciplines of youth football in St.Andrews Area.
This continues to be the case to this present time and now we have forged links with other teams in St.Andrews forming the St.Andrews Community Club, which we hope will continue to develop football from all age levels and join together people from far and wide to enjoy the beautiful game.
St Andrews Colts FC was formed in 1976 by Colin Mackay & Matt Sinclair and played their first ever League game in the Dundee & District Youth Football League on 22nd August away to Kennoway, the team colours that were adopted were that of Dumbarton FC the score was 2 - 2. Duncan Niven & James Sinclair scored the goals and the team, in 4-3-3 formation was as follows: Alan Russell, Martin Breen, Duncan Niven, Paul Kerr & Ian Duncan : Steven Gould, James Mackie & James Sinclair : Derek Kirk, James Band & Ronald Christie. The Substitutes were Steven Finlay & Shaun Cairns.
That was the start, and the team, having got over first night nerves, relished the idea of a home game at Recreation Park (courtesy of St Andrews United) against Celtic Boys Club from Dundee who were undefeated in the previous season. St Andrews were not expected to win. The 3 - 3 draw surprised both sides but the news of the arrival of the Colts would reverberate over the Tay.
The first win was a remarkable one. At Drumgeith Park against Whitfield, another new team, Colts won 10 - 1. What a way to celebrate a trip to Dundee
By the end of October, the team had played 8, won 2, drawn 4 & lost 2 had scored 32 goals and conceded 20 collecting 8 points. The majority of the goals had been scored by James Sinclair, James Band , James Mackie & Duncan Niven. in mid-season, Kenneth Lamont, Donald McGeoch, Kevin Martin, Brian Shepherd, Ian Gardner and the Anderson twins joined and all players had to officially sign a Yellow Registration form.
The rest of the season was spent in the middle of the League. The team duly performed and shocked a few teams at home. By April, Matt and I had our thoughts set on development both on and off the field. Already Billy Kirk and Billy Martin had become interested in proceedings.
The first year had satisfied our aims of ensuring a start to the Youth football in the area, but there was the question of creating St Andrews Colts Football 'Club'.
The formation of the team was mainly due to Matt Sinclair. in managerial terms, he had financed the start, become Chief Administrator, transport organiser and taken on many roles to keep the Club going. Fund raising was done through good-will but a more formalized structure had to be composed if the Club were to continue.
Talking about transport, our mode of travel, our 'team' coach was a rather dilapidated transit van, described in the sales document as "seen, tried & approved". Primitive indeed, and I seem to remember we used park benches for seating. There were no windows at the back. (However, at least the team had the opportunity to change in the bus without embarrassment if we were late for a fixture).
Due to"bus difficulties", Mr Christie and Matt used to take their cars: everywhere was a sea of legs, back seats awash with lemonade bottles and crisp packets, and here I was trying to assess the merits of 4 - 4 - 2 in favour of 4 - 3 - 3!
It had been a difficult first season but good fun nonetheless.
At the beginning of Season 1977/78, the Club had expanded.In addition to Matt Sinclair, who became President, and Colin Mackay, who became Treasurer, Gordon Kinsley, from the school football circle took over as Secretary. Billy Kirk had been approached to look after the Coaching of new teams, and in this season a younger team (Under 13's) had been created. It was at this level that we felt we had the making of a strong team. Donald McBride was in charge. A greater ability in football, a stronger sense of loyalty and belonging, and a general awareness in self-discipline could be generated through the introduction of younger teams. This belief was to prove important in the Club's development.
The Under 15's progressed to Under 16 level, now run by Billy Martin, and with this playing format firmly established, the Colts grew in strength.
Other avenues were explored. The Club needed training facilities. The Cosmos Youth Centre was the venue for this. Literally hordes of young lads thronged the playing areas during the week. Everyone wanted to play for the "COLTS"- no wonder, with this organisation & being able to play at a Junior Park. St Andrews United were again willing to offer their facilities and the Club will always be grateful for the use of these in the early years. To help the existing coach and team managers, Dave Johnston of Dundee FC, now of Kuala Lumpar, joined the Club to offer expert advice.
What would now be in store for the Colts on the playing field?
Halfway through the season, a 5 - 1 home win against Dundee Social Club U/13's, suggested that teams would still find points hard to come by in St Andrews. This was a historic game as, according to records, it was the first article on a Colts match to be published in the St Andrews Citizen.
The team sheet is interesting; although it was an Under-13 team, a young man, Brian Batchelor, could have played in an Under-10 side. This was Brian's start to a very successful footballing career for the Colts, his School, his Region and now his University at Aberdeen.
Others such as James Mackie and Paul Kirkcaldy would go further and are mentioned later.
From this match on, regular reports appeared in the local press with headlines that suggested St Andrews had arrived in the Youth football map: "COLTS GO NAP", (a popular headline!), "SEVEN FOR COLTS", "LATE WINNER FOR COLTS". The Under 13's suffered defeat occasionally, but certainly not on a regular basis.
But what of the Under 16 team? Their League would be a difficult one to compete in. However the team had learned much from the experience of the previous year. A firm placing in the top half of the League was just reward for effort and competition. One particular fixture away to Strathtay typified the attitude of the team who earned a 2 - 2 draw. "Strathtay posed the first threat but Russell made a tremendous save deflecting the shot round the post for a corner. Later Kirk and Findlay took control of midfield with Breen challenging every ball". (St Andrews Citizen)
The weekly training sessions were paying off and Dave Seeley of Newburgh FC, assisted Dave Johnston. Also an early breakthrough was made when Derek Kirk and Jim Mackie were transferred from St Andrews to Montrose FC . Both these lads had attracted the attention of many Senior Clubs. Eventually, Jim returned to St Andrews United and still enjoys holding left-back position in the team.
Another season had passed and many Parents had helped out. It was no surprise that a Parents Association was formed, essentially to help with running costs. Although small to begin with, the Association attracted many Parents and soon expanded into a flourishing, supportive organisation. Mr Drew Brown, Mrs Lesley Niven & Mrs Cathie Kirkcaldy were instrumental in ensuring the Club's financial success. Strathkinness Village Hall was the venue for the first "Stovie Dance" and with the proceeds St Andrews Colts would greatly benefit when 3 teams (Under 12,13 & 14) started in Season 1978/79. In only two seasons the Club had become an important feature of St Andrews sporting and leisure life.
The Management Committee this year decided to cover as many games as possible for reporting in the St Andrews Citizen. This was a main feature of the Citizen's back page. Reports rained in on the Sports Editor who faithfully reproduced the lively entertaining 'writing'.
This Season could be represented by headlines. The new teams (12 & 13's) were well represented:
"HAT TRICK FOR LAWRIE", "TOO EASY FOR COLTS", "COLTS HIT ARBROATH FOR SIX", "SEMI-FINAL PLACE FOR UNDER 13'S", the ubiquitous "COLTS GO NAP". I like the alternative "KEEN CONTEST FOR COLTS" and appropriate for Christmas "COLTS GO ON A GOAL SPREE". Witty ones "COLTS CUT DOWN SHAMROCK" and "ST COLUMBUS LOST!" added a suitably light-hearted touch.
The Under 14's were equally impressive:
"LATE PRESSURE PAYS OFF FOR COLTS", "GATHERUM SAVES THE DAY FOR COLTS", "COLTS GO !!!!!!!", "ROBB MAKES IT 12 WINS IN A ROW", "COLTS TIRE THEM OUT" - plenty of action, a plethora of goals and excellent entertainment for the spectators. A commendable last report of the season on the 16th June began "COLTS FINISH WITH CREDIT"
Round about this time another headline appeared:
THE ST ANDREWS COLTS:
A TYPICAL SCOTTISH SOCCER PROGRAMME
It did not feature in the St Andrews Citizen, nor any British Newspapers but, in fact , in a top American Football magazine "Soccer Digest". Imagine the contents page: Eusebeo, the Star of Portugal, Rodney Marsh, his effects on American Soccer, Pele and the Beautiful game and ...... "St Andrews Colts, Successful Youth Soccer"! Writer Jerry Tracker had been visiting St Andrews and had decided to take in a Colts game. He was certainly impressed by what he saw as he included a six-page article in his Monthly Magazine. The article concentrated upon the composition of the Club, the training methods and the place of Youth football in St Andrews. The writer presented, in a clear light, the standards set both on and off the playing field. Tracker comments "The Scots character is such that hard work and creativity are revered equally and the combination seems to pay dividends". Deserved praise indeed, and all this stemmed from watching the Under 12's against Lochee Boys.
Tracker also had an eye and ear for the Romantic: beside "an afternoon when the Cathedral Spire catches the glint of the sun and the white caps of the sea dazzle the eye" is juxtaposed the eloquent renderings from the team coaches; "Yer runnin aboot and no watching", or "Let's hear ye shoutin' for th' ba', yer too square". No doubt Tracker's American readership would enjoy the ethnic!
In the following season, major changes took place in the Management Committee. Matt Sinclair stepped down as President. His enthusiasm, industry, tact and sound common sense were major factors, contributing to the performance of the Colts. For a while he still advised behind the scenes, before being elected Honorary President at the end of the season.
In his place came Ian Dochard, a business man with much experience in this type of organisation. Mr Wray MacArthur became Secretary and this partnership remains to this day.
The aims of the Club remained the same, and this meant that in season 1978/1979 over 50 boys had taken the field in Colts' colours which had now changed to Red, White & Black.
The Colts had rightly acquired the reputation of being a fair-minded Club. setting high standards of discipline and general appearance. Team work amongst the Managers contributed to this. David Batchelor, Billy Kirk (Under 12's), Bill Martin, Roy Hamilton (Under 13's) and Donald McBride, Dunc Stewart (Under 14's) were dedicated to the Club.
From August !979, the teams kept to their winning ways. At times they tried to outdo each other in goal scoring feats. The 13's had a 16 (sixteen) goal bonanza against an unfortunate Lochee side. Batchelor scored 5; later in the season 15 (fifteen) were put past Shamrock with Stuart Gatherum and Martin McKechnie sharing the honours in goal-scoring; against Arbroath the 14's scored 10 goals. Mark Connolly hit 3 and Andrew Blakey 4. The 15's won the prize for the most goals in the shortest time: 6 against Broughty, 14 against Fintry and 6 versus Arbroath.
While the two younger teams held mid-way positions in their leagues, the Under 15's challenged for the league title, holding top spot for many months. Douglas Robb had scored in the region of 60 goals. St Andrews United were aware of this and signed Robb along with Gordon Law and Michael Forgan who has settled in the centre of United's defence since 1984.
Such was the success of the teams, that the Presentation of Awards for 1979/80 was graced by the presence of Paul Sturrock, a then up-and-coming star for Dundee United FC and Mr John Donaldson, President of Dundee & District Boys League. The latter in his after-dinner address drew attention to "the respect for the quality of football played on this side of the Tay".
Players from all 3 teams had been training with Senior Fife & Dundee Clubs. Add to this the team achievements of the Under 13's in reaching the Semi-Final of the Gaitey Cup, of the Under 14's in competing in the same round in the Challenge Cup and it would surely not be long before some silver ware would be won.
We all knew of the contribution the Parents Association had made previously, but in this season, the Parents Team of Mr & Mrs Kirkcaldy, Mrs Niven,Mr & Mrs Donaldson, Mr & Mrs Finlay & Mr Batchelor had raised sufficient funds for 2 mini-buses.
Their unstinting labours were, and of course still are, a major contribution to the healthy state of the Club.
Donations and Sponsorship played it's part too. Football strips, Sweatshirts, Match Balls and offers of premises for functions were generously offered by and graciously accepted from local Firms, Business and Hoteliers.
The Boys had a role to play too and they helped with the fund-raising activities. They were all aware of what was being done for them.
Major items such as Match expenses, Coaches, Training, Trophies and Shields were part of every year's expenditure. Money had to be raised and over the Years the Committees have been supplemented. Messrs Cooper, Davidson, Collin and Mathewson have joined to form the solid financial backbone of the Club.
Other new faces appeared behind the scenes. Stewart Harley became Treasurer in place of Colin Mackay who was more involved in Fife Schools Football. He accepted the position of Honorary Vice-President for services to the Club in the early years.
Ian Donaldson, as well as being actively involved on the Parents' side, took charge of the young Under-12's with the support of Andy Cunningham.
And so, we entered what the Citizen called "COLTS BEST EVER SEASON".
The Under 15 team, under Bill Martin and Roy Hamilton, brought the first Cup to St Andrews by defeating Fintry 3 - 2 in the Final of the Heath Cup. Hutcheon, Findlay and Kempton scored the all important goals on this historical day. This team had other members who now feature in Junior and Senior football. Alan Findlay enjoys playing at Recreation Park at present while Paul Kirkcaldy has made excellent progress by being signed by Arbroath and by the time of this booklet's publication he will have visited Florida with the Arbroath squad. Again, the Colts had been successful in promoting Boys to extend their footballing careers.
Not only did the Colts win a prestigious Cup but the Under 14's nurtured by David Batchelor and Bill Kirk, took the League Championship with scores of the magnitude of 13 - 0, 10 - 0, 8 - 4 and so on. The Presentation programme below puts the Colts into the League history books.
Brian Batchelor and Willie Donaldson were rewarded by being selected for Dundee Sunday League against Strathclyde. Yet again the Club found fame abroad. Two Under 14's, Tommy Falls and Stuart Gatherum , were ambassadors for the Club by being selected for the "Dundee United" which took part in a European Tournament in France. Both boys played an all 3 matches against Continental opposition. In fact, Tommy almost went abroad the following year for the Scottish Schools. Unfortunately, he just missed selection for the National pool.
Steve Murray, of Dundee, Aberdeen & Celtic, was present at the Annual Presentation of Awards and this aptly rounded off what is still known as the most successful season to date.
It was at this time that the Club was even more aware of it's place in the Community.
One pursuit was the Managers' select: Hamilton, Brown, Kirk, MacArthur, Dochard, A Cunningham, Seeley, Dixon, Kirkcaldy, Stewart, Martin, T Cunningham, Dingwall, Woolston and McKechnie battled to a 3 - 2 victory over the Under 14's but then the "OLD BOYS" tired and were outclassed by the sharper Under 13 team immediately afterwards.
These "fixtures" enhanced the Colt's role in the town. The social community side was developing which attracted many people. The Strath dances were becoming a permanent feature in the St Andrews area calendar; coffee mornings filled the Town Hall; summer draws drew youngsters and adults alike; the Duke of Edinburgh's message to Sportsmen and women involved a young Colts side. The Club was constantly in the public eye and what was seen was impressive.
Strong relationships were built between the Club and local schools, particular Madras College for whom most of the Colts played on Saturdays. Week-end fixtures for school and Colts improved attitudes and abilities.
What started as one football team was now becoming an integral part in the life of St Andrews and area.
Furthermore, in 1981/82, the youngest ever Colts side, Under 10, was very proud to take the field as representatives of an expanding organisation. Their brand of football lifted one of the Dundee League Cups at the end of the season and noteable performance was "calculated" against Dundee Everton. The score was 27 - 0 ! This may be a Club record. This most promising team later produced 2 Boys Robbie Raeside and Greig Dochard who participated in another International competition in France. Like Falls & Gatherum they played for the Sunday League select but at Under 12 level.
As the Club developed, changes took place off the field. There was the welcome appointment of Jim Mc Kechnie as Vice-Chairman. This post had been created to accommodate Club expansion.
For the service to the club, the Matt Sinclair Trophy was introduced.
This was no award for awards sake, It was a special trophy which could be won for high standards of conduct,dedication,application and positive attitudes of loyalty over a period of years with the Colts.
The first ever award was presented by David Dodds, of Dundee United, was shared by William Donaldson and Martin Mckechnie, two model players whose careers in football are still remembered.
In the close season, Bill Kirk left to take the managership of Guardbridge United, Having been with the club from its early days, Bill contributed greatly through his intense enthusiasm and sense of fair play.
Later, the club had its fair share of newcomers, "Youngsters" in the shape of Derek Kirk and Pat Kinsley took over the under 11's.
This was an appreciated offer from the lads as they had played for the Colts from the beginning. They simply wanted to help, having been helped in the past, Ernie Woolston teamed up with Dave Batchelor with the under 10's.
The Club then decided to introduce another team at this level after the success of the previous year. Unfortunately , Bill Martin and Roy Hamilton departed after many fine years in charge of the youngsters, and the final addition was in the form of Andy Cunningham who partnered Ian Donaldson at Under -13 level.
This was the most successful side in season 1982/83, winning 21 matches in the league and scoring 185 goals in the season - a staggering total.
These boys were undoubtedly drawing the attention of football supporters and senior team scouts. Top scorers were Luis Garrido with 43 goals and Billy Sibbald with 31. This team would be well known by the team they had reached under 15 level.
As many of the Colts played for Madras College under 13's, it was no surprise that the school team won its first ever Fife Cup that year. The bond between school and club was paying dividends.
Maurice Malpas , the Scotland internationalist, ensured a very large turnout at the Awards presentation in May. Also present were all 4 Honorary members, Matt Sinclair and Colin Mackay have already been mentioned, but Bill Kirk, for services to the Club and Neil Ogston for Social and accommodation and support, were made Honorary Vice Presidents.
Dave Lyall took over as Treasurer from Stewart Harley whose financial knowledge and expertise was fully appreciated.
Despite the changes to management, the club grew from strength to strength, Since the response to the under 10 level was so great, Eric Gillespie, assisted by Dave Stewart and Jim Mackie, ran weekly coaching sessions for all the boys not playing for the under 10's. So widespread were the social and playing activities of the club that hardly an event went by without some group of youngsters participating for the Colts, And, It must be emphasis-ed that a host of adults were involved behind the scenes meetings to make sure the boys time with the club was as enjoyable as possible.
Drew Brown, Dave Donaldson, Ricky Davidson, Bob Archer, Tom Dow had roles to play on both management and parent committees. In some ways the club could have become a full time job.
The season ended with the Club reinforcing its postition as one of the towns most active social and supporting groups.
The reports at the AGM of 83/84 , reflected the standing of the club in the community at large. Mr Dochard stressed that , although silverware was an added bonus to any season, enthusiasm and participation, keenness and discipline were the most important. For those qualities, it was an excellent season. At this time Dave Donaldson and Duncan Stewart were added to the list of Honorary Vice Presidents for long term involvement and commitment to the club.
Although the teams did not win any trophies or leagues, nonetheless, the 11's, 12's and 14's were in the running to the very end of this season. what was emerging was a team pattern. The teams donned the Colts strips each season and played in the region of 90 to 100 fixtures. Jocky Scott conducted coaching sessions, Supported by Bill Fullerton and Alex Lewis. Here individual members benefited.
As we know young Raeside and Dochard played in France at Under 12 level, but in the older Under 14 group things unprecedented were taking place. The team produced 7 players for the final trials of the league select to play in the French Easter Tournament. Kevin Taylor and Guy Devereux won places to the continent with Fraser Ogston selected as a non travelling reserve. These boys, along with Ross Watson, Micheal Gray, Philip Finlay and Billy Sibbald represented Dundee League against Strathclyde. Six Colts team members were training with Dundee United and three ex colts had gained junior ranks with St.Andrews and Newburgh.
To the close season, the Matt Sinclair Trophy was once again awarded, and was only presented when the management Committee were of the opinion that there would be a deserving recipient. There was one, but he was not a player. He was an individual whose enthusiasm and drive were constant, whose loyalty was second to none, He was a chief fundraiser, chairman of the parents committee, team manager. In fact, he has been involved in all areas of the club. Mr Ian Donaldson thoroughly deserved the honour of receiving the award.
Season 1984/85 was a season of consolidation. The Committee was aware that the club would soon be having its 10th Anniversary. A reflection of what ground had been covered threw up various prominent features.
Nearly sixty youngsters were being given the opportunity of playing weekly competitive football. The Cosmos coaching sessions were also flourishing, and close links with Dens Park enabled messrs Shannon and McWilliam to conduct coaching sessions. Robert Raeside represented the league versus Strathclyde, while Colin Finlay's progress was attracting the attention of Tannadice,
The sad news this season was that the Under 15 team had come to an end of the Colts line, and most of the squad had played with the club for 5 years.
They had learned a lot and given members of the club and the public much enjoyment with their particular brand of attacking football. Fortunately, this team come under the wing of St.Andrews United and would be manged by Andy Cunningham and Eric Gillespie, who had given much to the colts since they arrived.
Ricky Davidson and Sandy Donald took their places as assistant managers.
The management committee decided to become more active, taking part in a fund-raising sponsored walk. This adventurous exercise covered 13 1/2 miles in nearly four hours, starting at the Tay Bridge and finishing in St.Andrews, Five hundred pounds was raised!!
Jim McKechnie, Bob Archer, Brian Collin, Drew Brown, David Lyall and Ian Dochard completed the 12 mile fun run and Ian's time was recorded not on stopwatch but on a calendar!
on the award front, The Matt Sinclair Trophy returned to two players, Goalkeeper Kevin Taylor and central defender Ross Watson. These boys had not only been a credit to the club in terms of football skills and attitude but also had been influential in the school team at Madras.
But perhaps the highlight of the season had been the visit of the Lea Manor school from Luton. The club committee and players acted as hosts to the school team in their visit to the St.Andrews area. During their stay the club guided their visitors round St.Andrews, entertained them at discos and beat them 6-1 at football. of course, the result was not important. Simply, another avenue of community involvement had been explored. The hospitality and camaraderie of the club was greatly appreciated by the staff and pupils of the school. It was unanimously agreed that this exchange be continued.
So, We enter the present season 1985/86. as i write this the season is reaching its frantic climax with 3 to 4 games being played weekly due to the winter backlog.
The 11's, 13's, and 14's have progressed well, entertainment everyone with positive football and carrying on their shoulders the responsibilities of what a successful club like St.Andrews Colts demands.
on the playing side , interesting statistics appear. The Under-11 team has had a late goal scoring surge:7-0, 11-0, 13-1 and 5-1. One player, alan Morris has taken his goal tally to 87 , scoring 8 in one match. Ross Duncan and Chris Peebles are showing promise in defence and midfield retrospectively. The Under 13's are stabilizing and Kevin Nicoll controls the midfield, the Under 14's respond well to encouragement and goalkeeper Graeme Cunningham plays above his age. All this augurs well for next season.
To balance previous winners of the Matt Sinclair trophy , the award this year went to another long standing committee member, Drew Brown. Drew has been involved with the Colts, especially the Parents Association, from the beginning. His organisational skills have been greatly appreciated and much of the success of the club rests with Drew.
Every Club has one special team, one which is present in every fixture- the Srtrip washing Machine!. No doubt the Donaldsons, Browns, Batchelors, Woolstons, Archers, Davidsons, Raesides and Collins efforts have been praised, and the old saying of being "The Cleanest team on the park" holds good for the Colts on more than one count.
This section concludes the History of St.Andrews Colts from 1976 to 1986. Great strides have been made in the progression of the Club.
This has been due to everyone associated with the Colts, to those who have helped with the transport, funds, donations and playing facilities, the list could be endless. But after the start made by one man, Mr M Sinclair, Mr A.J Dochard took over as president and has been responsible for creating a unified club, and for making the Colts a truly worthy and happy organisation whose sole aim is to further the positive skills and disciplines of youth football in St.Andrews Area.
This continues to be the case to this present time and now we have forged links with other teams in St.Andrews forming the St.Andrews Community Club, which we hope will continue to develop football from all age levels and join together people from far and wide to enjoy the beautiful game.