I wonder if you, or anyone associated with your club, can give me any information on the football history of my father, John Higgins, who I understand played for Third Lanark FC, probably in the 1920's or 1930's.
There was a Higgins in the Thirds side of 1923/24, although my source lists him as G.Higgins and not J.Higgins. It could be a typo as it is common to confuse J with G! He made 13 league appearances in 23/24 scoring 2 goals. Here is a breakdown of his matches with Thirds:
SEASON 1923/24:
22/08/1923 v Morton (h) (0-2) 22/09/1923 v Airdrie (h) (0-0) 24/09/1923 v Partick Thistle (h) (2-4) 15/12/1923 v Morton (a) (2-2) 05/01/1924 v St Mirren (a) (1-3) 19/01/1924 v Hibernian (a) (2-5) 02/02/1924 v Airdrie (a) (1-3) 12/03/1924 v Falkirk (a) (1-4) 15/03/1924 v Hearts (a) (1-3) (1 goal) 22/03/1924 v Rangers (a) (1-3) 05/04/1924 v Hamilton A. (a) (0-2) 19/04/1924 v Motherwell (a) (2-2) 21/04/1924 v Hamilton A. (h) (3-2) (1 goal)
Your father had to wait until the final league match against Hamilton to taste victory with Thirds!
He played as a forward. In season 1924/25 there was also a Higgins who played with Thirds, although I am not sure it is the same player, as this Higgins made all his appearances (15 of them) as a left back.
I was wondering if you could let me know your fathers birthdate/place and date of death/place for my records. Also, if you have any photos of your father from his playing days then could you let me know.
Dear Alan; Thank you so much for your feedback on my father John Higgins' days at Cathkin in season 1924-25. He indeed was the left-back you mentioned in your earlier response.
My father was born in Waterloo (near Wishaw) on May 20, 1902 and died at home in Newmains on December 31, 1962 at age 59. I have been trying to get football photos to send you but had no luck so far. If anyone has a photo I would love to have a copy.
I do know from SFA records that he also played for Wishaw Juniors, Bathgate FC and Queen of the South. My proudest possession is the SFA gold medal he won with Bathgate FC, inscribed "Scottish Qualifying Cup won by Bathgate FC, J Higgins 1929-30".
Thank you for helping to keep his name alive. My very best to you.
John Higgins Jr.
PS You may be interested to learn that Jockie's widow, my mother Elizabeth (Bette) Higgins, is about to turn 99 years old on Aug 22, 2006.
I wish to make a correction. I had written my father, Jockie Higgins, was born in Waterloo (near Wishaw) on May 20, 1902 and died at home in Newmains on December 31, 1962 at age 59. He actually died a year earlier, on December 31, 1961. Please accept my apology.
