The author of a book about Kilmacolm Football Club is seeking information about a 1980s clash the club had with the now defunct Campbeltown Boys Football Club.
Since 2016, Jim Barr from Bridge of Weir has been working on “A History of Kilmacolm Football Club”. The club was founded in 1860 and folded around 1990.
He is keen to find out more about a particular “saga” that occurred around September/October 1987 after Campbeltown Boys Club, playing in the Scottish Amateur Football League (SAFL), were drawn against former Coronation Cup holders Kilmacolm.
After an administration error by the referee, both teams protested to the executive league over venues.
“The story seems to be about the toss of a coin,” explained Jim, “followed by the selection of the team to host a third game using bits of paper – not within league rules, not within any referee protocol and certainly sufficient grounds for a Campbeltown appeal, which they did.”
The 89-year-old, a former goalie for Kilmacolm, added: “Apparently, Kilmacolm won the toss and the paper selection to replay at Kilmacolm. An executive decision was made following the appeal by Campbeltown in that the third match – second replay – was to be played at a neutral venue.
“The failure of the league match secretary to achieve that, and the clubs’ eventual agreement to play at Campbeltown, resulted in a massive win for the Campbeltown side.”
Jim has found SAFL minute books at the Hampden Park National Stadium archive that outline the story but, when speaking to ex-players, he has found they do not agree with the minute books.
In a bid to authenticate the details, he is asking if anyone associated with Campbeltown Boys Club can tell the true story.
“Do they have club archive material, copies of appeal letters, replies from the league executive?” Jim asked. “Where was the first game played – Kilmacolm or Campbeltown – and what was the score?
“Where was the first replay played – Campbeltown or Kilmacolm – and what was the score, before and after extra time?
“What was the story behind the Campbeltown appeal to the league executive committee? What action did the referee take at the end of the game? What was the basis of the Campbeltown appeal?
“Considering Kilmacolm were in severe financial difficulties at the time, did Campbeltown offer to share expenses if the chosen venue was Campbeltown and, in which case, is this what happened?”
Anyone with information can email Jim at bjimmygolf@aol.com or call him on 01505 615668.