A Potted History - by Douglas Leithead

If I’m honest I had always thought that the Hawick United that is now, was formed in 1959. After a wee bit of digging, I discovered that a Hawick United existed in the 1920’s and 1930’s. However, that United was nothing to do with this club. (Information courtesy of John Slorance, referenced in the article he wrote for The Reflections O’ Hawick book, published in 2015) However, the club that exists now, was indeed constituted, and affiliated to The Border Amateur football league in 1962. There was a group of guys got together in 1959 to play football in friendly games as part of the Kelso and district league between 1959 and 1962. They played under the name Hawick United. But the club was officially founded in 1962. Ex Hawick provost Tom Hogg. Billy Young, ( no the Langholm yin,) and a gentleman by the name of Johnny Moxey are credited as the clubs’ founders. There is school of thought that suggested that the club was founded as the second string of Hawick Royal Albert. As far as I can ascertain, again courtesy of John Slorance, this is not the case. Back in 1962 much like today the team was very young with players like Graham Stewart. Some of you may know him as The Captain. Adam ‘Shelly Bell’ and Roy Cook, being founder playing members of the club. They played their matches, as they still do at present, on the bottom pitch of three, at Wilton Lodge Park. It was where Hawick Royal Albert played before moving to Mansfield. An old set of blue and white Hawick Royal Albert jerseys was the first strip, this is possibly where the story of them being part of the Albert began, although Roy Cooks influence in those early days were to come to the fore when, being a fervent Motherwell supporter, he procured a set of claret and amber jerseys. When I joined the club, they often played in red shirts with white sleeves. It’s difficult to know exactly when the tangerine strip came about but the best explanation, I’ve heard, is that the red stripe from the Motherwell kit was done away with when they ordered new strips and that had something to do with the colours as they are now. The first real manager, although in those days they were just called trainers, was a gentleman by the name of Colin Watson. Back in those days Colin did everything. Coach, secretary, treasurer, net putter upper and taker dooner. Line marker. Everything. Colin was at the helm for most of the sixties, but he got a new job out of town, he was a well-educated clever man and became a lecturer in London. He handed the reins over to club legend, Derek Ramage. This was to be temporary as Derek was still playing. I think the exact words were, right Derek am off it’s over to you now. Colin is still alive and well and emigrated to deepest Englandshire where he still lives in London. He still takes a keen interest in United’s results. Colin as stated, was really called trainer or coach. It was Bob Muirhead’s arrival in the late sixties early seventies that changed all that to manager. He got offered the job of manager by Colin on the Burns Club bridge just before he left for London. Bob had always taken a keen interest in the club and Colin thought he might be able to do a job. How insightful was that? More of this later. Circa 1964/65 United started up a second 11. This was Hawick United Colts. They ceased to be circa early 2000’s due to lack of players and finances. I played for them in the mid 60’s. At that time, we played in the then North Tyne League. Playing against teams like, West Woodburn, Keilder Hearts, Bellingham, Hexham (but a wee team from there not the big team) Wooler. By far the most successful team in that league was Rochester. They won the league nearly every season. At the end of the season a select from the Border Amateur played a select from the North Tyne League. It was almost entirely made up of Rochester players. The Border Amateur league at that time didn’t allow second teams to play in their league. That changed in the 70’s but I’m not sure what year. The Colts did win the Border Am division B title in 1974 so must have been round about then. 

There have been a number of managers over the years. Bob of course. Rob Shiel, Neil Gillies, Ollie Cannon and Alex Jackson among some of them. All had varying degrees of success. More recently there’s been Geo Shepherd and Alan Campbell. Bob was to some an acquired taste, but he is by far the most charismatic and passionate person I ever met. He would have admitted himself that he wasn’t the best tactical coach in the world. But what he did have in spades, was enthusiasm, charisma, and an unwavering self-belief. He was first and foremost a player’s man. I remember the late and sadly lamented, Brian McConnell, saying that Bob would have done anything for his players, and they would have done anything for him. If a player missed training for example, Bob would be round at his house asking what was wrong. He used to go and collect players on a Saturday morning to make sure they got to the game. Hawick United were the fittest team in the Border Amateur and he drummed into them how good they were and the players to a man, bought into it. He made sure everyone was involved. He used to say I was his right-hand man and played a part in the 1972 victories. Nonsense of course but he wanted to make sure that I knew he appreciated any help I’d given him. So much so that he made sure I got a full set of medals for that season, although I had only played one or two games. Bob was a flamboyant figure and would often turn up to games in a bright blue suit and a pair of white shoes. Whenever you met him, he was always dressed like the proverbial fly hook. More often than not in tartan or his beloved Rangers colours. He was sent from the touchline by the referee far more times than any other manager. He was constantly shouting at both players and referees. He would wander up and down the touchline roaring at all and sundry. A new ref appeared one afternoon. He had obviously heard of Bob. Before the game he came across and introduced himself. I’m Mr Bennet he said, and I’ll be in charge today. Red rag to a bull. Bob bristled and said and I’m Mr Muirhead and I’ll be hurling abuse at you from the side-lines. I loved Bob like a father, and he is sorely missed. He was still coming to games up until he passed away. He took a keen interest and would often ask who’s that laddie or this laddie. Once he knew their names, he would shout encouragement from the touchline. I used to run him home and although he only lived at the Dean a five-minute journey took half an hour as Bob reminisced about the old days. He loved Hawick United right to the end. He remains United’s most successful manager over two separate periods with the club, including the greatest ever United side of 1971/72.That team that Bob built remained unbeaten that season and won the league and all the cups including the South Cup which was rarely won by Border Amateur sides back then. Bob left the club to join Hawick Royal Albert. He was successful there as well, but he made an error filling out a team sheet and The Albert felt he should go. A big mistake by them in my opinion. He then rejoined United and once again had success. He built a new squad and, during the early 1980’s and won the first division of The Border Amateur League in 1982 and 1983. People often refer to the ’72 season and rightly so. But what people don’t tend to recall is that they nearly did it again in 1974 only missing out on winning the South Cup. They were beaten in the final by Tweeddale Rovers by the odd goal. The Colts side won the second division that year as well and The Walls Cup. So, 1974 was actually a much more successful season for the club. The Colts played in The North Tyne league for 3 or 4 seasons before joining The Border Amateur League in 1970. As I know from experience the Colts were regularly heavily beaten in The North Tyne league so to win the second division after only 4 years was some achievement in its own right. Bob Muirhead remains the most successful manager United has ever had. Geo Shepherd is United’s longest serving manager having managed the club for over 25 years. His Bob moment came in season 2016/17 when United won the second division and three cups. Geo has been a loyal servant to Hawick United both as a player and a manager and his achievements over the years deserve nothing but praise and admiration. Geo has become a good friend over the years I was back on the committee, and his loyalty to this club is something special. 

Over their 60 plus years in Border Amateur football United have collected many honours along the way. This is a very successful club. The first trophy ever won was the Border Cup in 1966. Four years after joining the league. The first league title came along in 1972 the glorious all conquering year. Since those early days United have won a total of 10 League titles 6 in the first division and 4 in the second. Hawick United Colts also won the second division in 1974. United have done the treble, First division title, Border Cup and Beverage Cup 4 times. 1972, 1974, 1985 and 1986. All under Bob Muirhead. In 2017 under Geo Shepherd they won the Second Division title and 3 cups. As well as the league successes they have won the Border Cup 8 times. The Beverage Cup 7 times. The Walls Cup 7 times. 3 Wright Cups and 1 Forsyth. The holy grail of the South Cup has only been achieved once but they have been in 5 finals. The most recent in 2017 when they narrowly lost 1-0 to Carluke. 

There have been many great players and characters over the years. Again, far too many to mention here but names that come readily to me are. From my time. Boko Telfer, my minder when I played. He played at right back to my right wing. Beast of a man with a heart of gold. I was just a wee skinny boy then and Boko would always look after me. He drove the minibus when the club had one and always had me as his co-pilot. The late Brian ‘THE BEAR’ McConnell. Prolific goal scorer, also a beast. Due to his height and build, Brian got the best of every defence he ever played against. Opposing players just couldn’t get near the ball as he just brushed them aside. He was fantastic in the air and rarely lost the ball. His brother Davy, fantastic goalkeeper, who went on to play for St Mirren under Sir Alex Ferguson and almost joined him at Aberdeen. In the 1972 grand slam season Davy conceded a total of only 15 goals in the whole season. Quite remarkable. He just hated conceding goals and would often knock his own players out of the way to get to the ball. The six-yard box was his domain and woe betide anyone who got in his way. Davie’s replacement, Keith Davidson from The Copshaw Holm tribe that played back then, also went on to play at a higher level with Berwick Rangers. Ollie Cannon was another good friend. He used to train wearing black bin liners to try and keep his weight down. He was deceptively fast for his small stocky build. Others I remember and still keep in contact with, are Davie Thomson a former club treasurer and Drew Craggs a long-time committee man and treasurer. Norrie Malcolm. Who I’m still in regular contact with. He now lives in New Zealand. Another New Zealand export was a guy called George Emond. He came from Selkirk. When he emigrated, he became a coach with the New Zealand national side. Neil ‘Ticker’ Brown. Another of the Copshaw/Langholm crew. Finest left winger I’ve seen in Border Amateur football. Wullie Kinnear from Langholm now involved with Langholm Legion. David ‘Dago’ Harrison. A Geordie Jack the Lad George Best type who had a boutique in the town. Superb hard as nails midfielder. He went on to own nightclubs in Newcastle and is now a multi - millionaire. My great friends Graeme THE CAPTAIN Stewart, unbelievably tricky player. He was built like a jockey’s whip and his ball skills were incredible. People from that era always reckon that had he chosen to, he could have played at a much higher level. He was also one of the founding players. He says that he just played for the fun of it and the camaraderie. His brother, and my best pal Keith was also a tremendously clever winger. Keith and I and the wives, then girlfriends, ended up after most Saturday games, at Bob Muirheads house up the Dean, Many, many a time we walked home in daylight. Just another example of how much Bob loved his United family. I really miss that man. From more recent times. Two Winker Watsons. One was more than enough. Only joking. Ian Watson. Father Winker, is also a good friend and earned the nickname (probably from John Slorance) THE FLAME HAIRED STRIKER. His son Gavin played in goal and was also very talented. He became one of the youngest managers Hawick Royal Albert have ever had. He emigrated to Australia and is still involved in local football down under. Other names include Rob Shiel who went on to be a manager at the club. Bruce Hughes. Jimmy Shepherd (Both his sons Ryan and Mathew went on to play for the club as well). Henry Clark. Steven Ellins (who is still around today.) Dean Fry. Yet another brilliant keeper who at the moment is still the best shot stopper in the Border Am. Ross Scott. Dave Disco Slight (My son in law). Two of the clubs’ stalwart members. Kevin Strabo Strathdee and his brother Crockett. Strabo was involved with the club over 20 years and is the clubs all-time top goal scorer with a prolific 291 goals at the time of writing. Crockett is quite simply the hardest working, 100% player I’ve ever seen. Ross Wallace is another absolute legend of the club. He played all over the Borders in East of Scotland sides and still turned out for United in his 50’s. We often say United is a family club and the family connection in terms of players is evident. It is also interesting to note that most of the clubs’ managers have been former players. The family connection is really strong. Cannons. / many of them. Redmonds. Wallaces. Again lots o thum. Watsons. McConnells. Stewarts. Colvilles. Ellins’s. Strathdees. Shepherds and many, many more. The one name I wanted to keep until last, and most certainly not least, is Derek Ramage. I have no words that adequately sum up my dear friend Derek. Quite simply. If it wasn’t for him there would be no Hawick United. Derek was with the club for almost 60 years. Almost from the beginning. He single handedly at times kept the club afloat. He’s done every committee job you can think of, and I know for a fact that he kept the club afloat financially on more than one occasion. He is the epitome of a one club man. People, and I understand why, used to call Bob Muirhead, Mr Hawick United. Derek, for me, was most definitely Mr Hawick United. We lost Derek in 2022 and he is a monumental miss to Hawick United. I, and everyone involved with the club, are delighted that the changing rooms have been renamed, The Derek Ramage Pavilion. The new pitch, once it’s complete, will also be named after him. We have also raised funds for two memorial benches. One for Bob Muirhead and one for Derek. The two men who over the years have had the most influence and love for the club. 

Following on from the excellent 2017 wins, second division and 3 cups, United were once again promoted to tier one of the Border Amateur leagues. Towards the end of that season, the club was approached by Hawick Royal Albert who at the time were having severe financial difficulties. They proposed a merger of the two clubs to form Hawick Royal Albert United. Many of us saw this a chance to get the club playing at a higher level i.e, The East of Scotland League. After several meetings everything was ironed out and we became Hawick Royal Albert United from season 2019/20. Things didn't work out as hoped between the two clubs and we ceased being partners in 2021. Sadly there were too many differences that couldn't be ironed out.

In 2021, Kevin Strathdee and others wanted to resurrect The Hawick United Colts team. During the Albert fiasco, Alan Campbell and his team had kept Hawick United going and were understandably unhappy about Strabo and many of the old United players coming back to the club. Even as a different team. Alan felt that a lot of players would drift towards the new Colts set up. Mainly because Strabo etc were running it. After a couple of meetings, it was clear that this was not going to happen, so Hawick Colts were born. Once again, within a few months, they were financially sound. New sponsorships. New strips. New tracksuits and kit. Etc Etc. They had to start out in the Border Amateur third division but finished runners up and won a cup. During their (Colts) second season, the opportunity arose to take over the running of the changing pavilion at The Walled Gardens. Talks began with Hawick United to see if they were interested in sharing. After many months of negotiations, The Derek Ramage Pavilion was born. I’m delighted that my old friend Derek was able to attend the opening, before he sadly passed away. The people involved with Hawick Colts. (The old United committee) are very ambitious and hardworking, so when the opportunity came up to gain the land next to the pavilion, we went for it. Fundraising has never been a problem for us. We have raised over £10,000 to turn the land into a football pitch. During all the various discussions, it became apparent that Hawick United were starting to struggle a bit, both financially and player wise. It was the obvious thing for the two teams to join forces. Everyone involved wanted to keep the name Hawick United. Given the history of the club and the fact that everyone associated with Hawick Colts are ex United, it was another no brainer. Commencing season 2023 Hawick United is in a healthy position both financially and in numbers of players. We have a pavilion of our own. We have ground that we will turn into a football pitch. And, we have the people to make it happen. 

I, and messers Ramage and Muirhead, are over the moon.