Paul Mchale Of Sauchie Juniors

The website is grateful to Mr. Jim Cousin, Sauchie Juniors stalwart of over fifty years and brother of Dundee championship-winning legend Alan, for the following background information on Paul McHale’s short but highly successful spell with the highly regarded Clackmannanshire club.

“Paul joined us on 3 December 2003, three days before our third round Scottish Junior Cup tie at Bellshill. Our manager, Willie Irvine, knew Paul’s dad as both were prison officers at Glenochil.

“We drew 1-1 with Bellshill and thereafter Paul played in every game till the end of the season. We won the replay, and then defeated Largs in the Fourth Round and Rutherglen Glencairn in the Fifth. Our run came to an end at Glenrothes in the Quarter Finals, after a draw at Beechwood Park.

“With Paul’s talent we came second in the Lothian First Division and won the Fife and Lothians Cup, beating Linlithgow Rose 4-0 at Whitburn.

“Paul was a brilliant find for us, being a very creative midfield player and a scorer of goals too; especially penalties (five out of five!) At the end of the 2003-04 season, he went to Cowdenbeath with no payment to us, as Paul’s agreement was that we would release him if a senior club came for him.