Scottish Football Reminiscences and SketchesBone, David Drummond
History
Scottish Football Reminiscences and Sketches
Bone, David Drummond
Football
Mr. Lawrie has done much for football in connection with his club and
the Association, both by example and precept. In the early days of the
Queen's Park he was one of their most brilliant forwards, and in several
of the cup ties, notably that between the Queen's Park and Renton,
proved the best man on the field. He never shirked his work, or left
hard tackling to the half-backs, but sprang on the ball and opponent at
once, and generally had the best of it. Of all the fine forwards who
received their football education under Mr. J. J. Thomson's, and later
on Mr. C. Campbell's and Mr. Joseph Taylor's captaincy, none could keep
his feet better on the field; and it was quite a rare thing to see
Lawrie grassed by an opponent. Although not much above the middle
height, he was a perfect football Hercules, and not long before retiring
from the field opponents in some of the matches would frequently make
earnest inquiries about whether he were to be included in the Q.P. team
on that day. But for an accident to the knee which made him retire,
after being chosen to play in the International against England in 1874,
Mr. Lawrie would have then represented his club. After giving up active
duty in the field, he has rendered noble service by being president of
the Scottish Football Association, and loves the game as dearly as ever.
~Harry M'Neil.~
The first final cup tie brought into prominence one of the neatest
little dribblers and passers that ever played on the left wing of any
club. Methinks I see him now, with his quick action, short step, and
unselfish play, gliding down the side of the field, dodging an opponent
close on the touch-line, and causing the spectators to laugh
immoderately. Spectators are prone to make favourites, and while Mr.
Campbell was assuredly one at half-back, Mr. M'Neil was none the less
loved among the forwards. While playing in the leading games he was
always ready with his joke, and I'll back him to be the best man in the
world to explain away a defeat and magnify a victory for the club he
loved so well. Mr. M'Neil was chosen seven times to play against England
and Wales, and I remember his efforts and their results with pleasure.
The only time he was sorely beset was in the International of 1876, when
Mr. Jarrett (Cambridge University, I think), one of the English
half-backs--a powerful young fellow--tackled him severely. The gallant
little Queen's Park man, however, withstood the charges well, and came
up from mother earth smiling. That match, however, ended in favour of
Scotland by three goals to none. Mr. M'Neil was a member of the 3rd
L.R.V. at the start of his career, and also of the Rangers, but joined
the Queen's Park in 1872.
~Robert W. Neill.~
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account