Monday October 19th 2026
Selkirk FC Players 50yrs On... Photo Credits: Grant Kinghorn Players picture: Back L-R: Alistair McFadzean, Neil McFadzean, Jim McMenemy, Neil Brown, Davie Dick, Josh Welsh, Sandy Bell Front L-R: Alan Tait, Ian Whitehead, Kenny Rutherford, Moray McLaren
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Members of an all-conquering Scottish Borders football team have reunited to celebrate their “perfect season” half a century ago.
Fifty years after making football history, the men behind Selkirk FC’s extraordinary Grand Slam season came together once again for a special evening of celebration, laughter and memories.
It was a full house at Selkirk Rugby Club on Friday, October 16 as former players, officials, families and supporters gathered for a sold-out dinner celebrating one of the greatest achievements in the town’s sporting history.
The occasion marked 50 years since Selkirk Football Club’s remarkable 1975/76 season, when the team, led by player-manager Ian Whitehead, swept the board to win the East of Scotland League, Scottish Qualifying Cup (South), East of Scotland Qualifying Cup and King Cup.
The statistics remain extraordinary.
The team enjoyed a remarkable 73-game unbeaten run, while their 1975/76 league campaign saw them go undefeated across all 22 matches, winning 17 and drawing five.
Among the memorable results was a 10-1 victory over local rivals Gala Fairydean.
But perhaps the most dramatic moment came in the King Cup Final against Vale of Leithen, when Selkirk fought back from 4-1 down to win 5-4, with Whitehead completing his hat-trick with the winning goal.
Several players from that golden era went on to sign for senior clubs, further demonstrating the exceptional talent within the side.
For Ian Whitehead, being reunited with so many of his former players and friends was particularly meaningful.
He said: “When you’re in the middle of it all, you don’t really appreciate just what you’re achieving. Looking back now, it was something quite extraordinary.
“We had an amazing bunch of guys, but it wasn’t just about the players. It was everyone involved – the committee, the tea ladies, the people who worked behind the scenes.
“They all helped make Selkirk Football Club what it was.nAnd it wasn’t just that one season. Throughout my time at Selkirk, there were so many wonderful people involved. We were great friends off the park as well as on it. It really
was a brilliant time.”
The anniversary dinner was organised by Derek Whitehead, George Purves, Iain Clark and the Selkirk Victoria committee, bringing together generations of people connected with the club.
For Derek, Ian’s son, the occasion brought back fond childhood memories of growing up around Selkirk FC and spending countless hours at Ettrick Park.
He recalled: “It was fantastic to see so many legends of Selkirk Football Club back together again. Some of my best memories are of growing up at Ettrick Park.
“It was such a special place, and everyone played their part, from the tea ladies right through to the chairman.
“There was a real sense of belonging. Selkirk Football Club was about so much more than what happened on the pitch, and seeing so many of those players together again, 50 years on, was something really special.”
The evening was made even more memorable by an outstanding line-up of guest speakers, each bringing their own stories, humour and sporting memories.
Former professional footballer and world sprint champion George McNeill had the audience in fits of laughter with a hugely entertaining speech.
Former Rangers, Hearts and Scotland international Dave McPherson, who represented his country at the 1990 World Cup, delighted guests with an entertaining question-and- answer session about his footballing career.
Selkirk’s own rugby legend John Rutherford, the former Scotland and British Lions stand-off, took everyone on a nostalgic journey back to his childhood growing up in Bannerfield, recalling the people and places that made the town so special.
Former Selkirk FC chairman Craig Douglas was Master of Ceremonies, while Kenny Rutherford, captain of the famous 1975/76 side, delivered the vote of thanks.
Special thanks were paid to Selkirk Rugby Club for hosting the event, with Derek praising Anne Hogg and her team for their outstanding hospitality.
He said: “Selkirk Rugby Club were brilliant hosts. Anne Hogg and her team really do look after everyone superbly, and we couldn’t have asked for a better evening.”
For those who pulled on the Selkirk shirt half a century ago, the evening was an opportunity to celebrate an achievement that remains a source of enormous pride for the town.
Fifty years on, the trophies may be part of history, but the friendships and memories are as strong as ever.
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