Willie Finlay

All at Clyde FC were saddened to hear of the passing of Willie Finlay.

Willie was with Clyde between 1956 and 1963, a great era to be both a Clyde player and a supporter. That statement is exemplified by his taking part in two League Cup semi-finals, two Glasgow Cup Finals, two Glasgow Charity Cup Finals and two Scottish Cup semi-finals.

Of those Scottish Cup semi-finals, the victory over Motherwell in 1958 paved the way for the club’s third Scottish Cup win. With Willie at centre-half, a John Coyle goal brought the trophy to Shawfield for the third time following a 1-0 win over Hibs.

There were also two relegations, although Willie was only involved in one of those as he joined the club after dropping into the bottom league in 1956; but conversely there were two Second Division Championships. The second of those was secured when Willie’s goal from the penalty spot defeated nearest rivals Queen of the South at Shawfield.

A more comprehensive article on Willie will be published in the Clyde View, for the match against Arbroath on 20th September.