Junior was one of my Hi Hi favourites of all time and a terrific full back who had a great partnership at the back with Joe Davis.
He was certainly one of the most consistant performers at Cathkin and i guess I was really pleased for him when Rangers took him to Ibrox (although naturally i didn't want him to go) and whom i suspect saw him as a successor to Bobby Shearer who was in the twilight of his career an honour i thought for Junior and a great opportunity to advance his career.
He was certainly a big loss to Thirds and one which we could ill afford, but, what really p*ssed me off was he did not get the chance to play one first team game with them and spent all his time in the reserves (does this treatment sound familiar) what a waste of a great talent. I think he was ultimately transferred to St Johnstone.
I'm not sure if Finlay's transfer included a cash settlement but we got Doug Baillie from Rangers certainly as part exchange at least. I have to say Big Doug was a real character and popular with the support (well me anyway) and was played either as a centre half or as a centre forward (i don't think he played up front for Rangers!!). I remember him playing as No9 in one game and getting flagged offside as the ball was sailing over his head he simply stretched his arms upwards, caught the ball in mid flight and immediately placed it at his feet.
I remember big Finlay well.I agree he did not get a fair shake at Ibrox.
My big memory of him was a Scottish Cup replay game at Cathkin against East Fife under the lights in pouring rain. He took a penalty and almost blew both the ball and the goalie through the back of the net! No messing about with him - and that also applied to his tackling and clearances !
Yeah no doubt about it Junior was a quality player and i really thought he would make his mark at Ibrox...not to be . In fact while he was at Cathkin i felt he could have got a League Cap or at least into the Glasgow Select team (remember them?) but i guess there was a certain amount of how should i say...'the old boys network' in place in those days!!
A wonderful player with a sweet right foot that could deliver some delightful crosses into the box.
. In fact while he was at Cathkin i felt he could have got a League Cap or at least into the Glasgow Select team (remember them?) but i guess there was a certain amount of how should i say...'the old boys network' in place in those days!!
