Players from the past

Throughout the history of the Cowdenbeath Football Club, there have been some great names that have turned out for The Blue Brazil. There are also some players who have never achieved greatness, whether it be for footballing ability or for a mad moment on the park which is constantly remembered by supporters of all ages. We got our intrepid reporter, The Rampant Ballboy, to track these legends down and share a few memories.

The Rampant Ballboy Interviews - robin thomson

It's another of the Cowden 1970 promotion winning side who is the latest former hero to be interviewed by the Rampant Ballboy. Robin Thomson was a young left-sided winger/midfielder when Cowden rose to the dizzy heights of the old First Division. Robin lives in Kirkcaldy where he is a joiner to trade and he kindly saw Fife's foremost stud at short notice for this issue's interview.

Quite a few of the 1970 side were born and bred Fifers, are you one of that breed ?
Not quite. I originally come from Kilsyth. My father came through to Fife to work in the pits when I was five. We lived in Kirkcaldy, where, from an early age, my brother John and I both played football for schools, Boys Brigade etc. I then went on to play Under 18's and Under 21's with Wemyss Hearts where I just missed the chance to sign for Rangers as part of their youth policy because I was too old.

Was it when you were at Wemyss Hearts that you signed for Cowdenbeath ?
No. I left Wemyss Hearts in 1968 to join Lochgelly Albert where I played with my brother John before signing for Cowdenbeath in 1969 when I was 18. I used to see Andy Matthew at several Albert games. Andy was at the game when Tulliallan beat Lochgelly 7-1. Despite this he approached me after the game and signed me in time for the start of the promotion season in 1969.

Did you break into the Cowden first team straight away ?
No. It took a few months before I got my chance in the first team. I had joined a very experienced side and so being young at the time I had to be patient and wait on my opportunity for first team games.

Were you a first team regular once you were given your chance ?
I was in and out of the Cowden team throughout my time at Central Park. I often used to feel that I was the first to be left out if the team played badly. I played against Aberdeen at Central Park when we were in the First Division. We were very unlucky to lose 2-1 and I was named in next day's Sunday Mail team of the day. Despite this Andy Matthew dropped me for the next game. As I felt this had happened to me before I decided to approach Andy Matthew and ask why. Andy took the wind out of my sails by saying "You'll never make a left winger". From that day on I played left midfield inside Davie Ross which suited my game better.

Did you enjoy the experience of playing in the First Division ?
It was fantastic although frustrating as well. You were playing against the best players in the country which was a great thrill. With a bit more luck and tactical organisation we could have turned round many of the games we lost by the odd goal.

What games live in your memory from your Cowden days ?
Of the First Division games the New Year game against Dunfermline when Davie Marshall scored the winner and the game a few days later when we were unlucky to draw 2-2 with Hibs at Easter Road will always be memorable. I remember an important promotion game at Berwick after we were relegated when I heard Andy Matthew swear for the one and only time. We had been playing really badly in the first half and Andy lost his rag completely. It didn't do any good - we went on to lose the game. The only time in my career I was ever sent off happened playing for Cowden at Boghead. I had been kicked a few times by a guy called McKay when he heavily tackled me again. I lost the place and retaliated so off I had to go.

What Cowden players did you enjoy playing with most ?
There were so many. Andy Kinnell was a stalwart at the back. Jim Taylor was as hard as nails in midfield along with the hard working Billy Bostock. John Dickson had so much skill as did wingers Billy Laing and Davie Ross. Talking of Davie Ross it looked like he wasn't going to show for a big game. No one knew where he was. He arrived just before kick off having had an accident on the way to the match. He had stopped off to buy a watch for his future fiancé and was looking at it going along the promenade at Kirkcaldy when he ran into the back of another vehicle. He was taunted by some of the players who said 'Don't worry Davie, love is blind'.

Any other characters of note at Central Park ?
One character I remember was a sprint coach Andy Matthew brought in. His name was Big Davie. He was enormous and always had a fag hanging out his mouth. I was moaning to Andy Kinnell one day about having been left out of the team again when he suggested that I go to the manager and ask for special sprint training from Big Davie. The Boss was over the moon that I had sought Big Davie's expertise on sprinting and for weeks after I got an uninterrupted run in the team.

When did you leave Central Park ?
In 1974. I came home fed up from training one night and decided to leave Cowdenbeath. I signed for Glenrothes Juniors and played for one season during which we won the Scottish Junior Cup. I also won a Scottish Junior cap against Wales. Alex Smith then signed me for Stirling Albion. The set up there was so professional compared to Central Park. I won a Second Division championship medal at Annfield during my three seasons there. It was a great experience playing along side Rab Duffin and Jim Clark in midfield. What intrigued me about Alex Smith was that he absolutely lived for football and would have had us training or playing seven days a week.

Where did you go to after Stirling Albion ?
I went to Raith Rovers in a player swap deal. Willie McLean signed me but left two games later without anyone knowing why. Raith set up a committee to pick the team in the absence of a manager. As a director Andy Matthew was one of the committee so I was worried that a first team place might be hard to hold down. It didn't work out like that and a few months later Gordon Wallace was appointed manager. I stayed at Starks Park until season 1981/82 when Dave Clarke signed me for East Fife. I enjoyed my time at Bayview being made club captain and player of the year before packing in football in 1984. Dave Clarke's team talks were tactically astute as well as being passionate. I remember a particular team talk which was based on one of the Rocky pictures he had seen the night before. It lasted ¾ hour.

Have you played football since?
I didn't play for years until I got the bug again playing indoor 5-a sides with the likes of Alex Rae and Dave Clarke. We still play to this day, it's a good way of keeping in shape.

Any regrets during your footballing career ?
Not really. The recent deaths of John Dickson and Billy Bostock really saddened me as did the deaths of the other members of the early 70's team. As you've probably guessed from what I've said so far I would have liked more first team games for Cowden but that's football. On a more cheerful note I'm glad to see Cowden picking up under Craig Levein. I'm sure he'll do an excellent job for Cowdenbeath Football Club.

We're always on the lookout for Blue Brazilians from yesteryear. If you should know of anyone who is worthy of a mention, drop an email to webmaster@blue-brazil.co.uk