History
of Airdrie United FC – The past cannot be forgotten
The
town of Airdrie has absorbed considerable embarrassment at the understandably
bad press they have indirectly received as a result of the financial
demise of the old Airdrieonians FC.
But we cannot forget the tremendous pride that a football club can give
to a community - why should our 500 year old town lose the right to
enjoy similar successes in future? Airdrieonians FC (1878 - 2002). Indeed,
a club called "Airdrie" was playing around the time Queen's
Park pioneered the game in Scotland . From Sept. 23, 1922 , until Dec.
5, 1925 , Airdrieonians were undefeated on their own ground- a record
to remember with pride.
Airdrieonians FC played in four Scottish Cup Finals, winning the cup
in 1924. In 1992/3 they played Sparta Prague in The European Cup Winners
Cup - losing only 3-1 on aggregate!
More recently, they won the Bells Challenge Cup in both 2000 and 2001,
a considerable feat for a club that, at that time, was making more news
from off-the-park activities.
The list of well-known ex- Airdrieonians FC players is so impressive
that it would probably take our new Airdrie United FC another 100 years
to emulate - only if we get this important first step of league admission!
- Jock Ewart, Hughie Gallacher, Willie Russell, Bob McPhail, Jimmy Crapnell
(9 caps - 1928-34), Bobby Flavell, Frank Brennan, Hughie Baird (53 goals
in 1954/5), Ian Macmillan, Tommy Murray, Paul Jonquin (708 appearances
1962-79), Jim Black, Drew Jarvie, Derek Whiteford, Sandy Clark, John
Martin (755 1980-99), Jimmy Sandison, David Fernandez, Owen Coyle and
Sandy Stewart. The list can go on and on - let's hope the tradition
can also!
For
Club Records Click here
