Pride of place among Gordon Inkster’s football memorabilia is a cup final winner’s medal which has a bittersweet story attached.
The former Inverness Thistle full back played in every round of the 1955-56 Scottish Supplementary Cup (North) until injury ruled him out of the two-legged final.
The Jags won, but with only 11 medals awarded to the winners, he feared his previous efforts would go unrewarded.
However, his replacement, Johnnie Christie – father of Caley Thistle legend Charlie – handed over his medal in recognition of Gordon’s valuable contribution.
Gordon’s story to feature in football memories project launch
Gordon, now 90, is one of the oldest living Highland League footballers in Inverness.
His story will be told at the launch of Inverness Football Memories Project today.
It features on the Am Baile website which is run by High Life Highland, and includes photographs, film, stories and memorabilia.
An appeal for contributions has been issued to help build a comprehensive history of football in Inverness.
The project is being promoted by the Inverness Caledonian Thistle Community Trust and supported by Clachnacuddin FC.
It aims to build on monthly meetings held at the Caledonian Stadium, where older people meet to recall football memories.
Future phases will see detailed research since association football was first played in the Highland capital in the early 1880, podcasts and a permanent display.
Gordon, who grew up in Bunchrew, played with Inverness Thistle for 12 years, with a two-year break from 1952 for his national service.
His breakthrough into the first team came when he played in a challenge match against Falkirk.
He made such an impression that he was offered a trial with the Scottish First Division side.
However, he turned down the chance as he did not wish to jeopardise his apprenticeship as a motor mechanic.
Cup final memories
He played with many great players and two stand out – winger George Herd, who also played for Clyde and Sunderland, and his great friend Andy ‘Jupie’ Mitchell, one of the Highland League’s most prolific strikers.
Gordon said: “George was a wonderful winger who laid the ball on a plate for Jupie, who was deadly in front of goal.
“We had many gritty and determined players, such as Jock Sievewright at centre half, who gave everything for the team, but George and Jupie were the standouts who made the difference.”
One of his strongest football memories is of the 1955-56 Scottish Supplementary Cup (North), which replaced the Qualifying Cup for three seasons in the mid-1950s, and almost missing out on his medal after helping Thistle reach the final against Nairn County.
Charlie Christie, now head of the ICT football academy, said of the cup final story: “When I first heard this story many years ago, I must admit to being hugely proud of my dad as it was a superb gesture.
“I know he loved every minute of playing for Inverness Thistle during the 1950s and for him to help in winning this trophy would have been a massive moment for him personally.
“To follow it up with the handover of the medal to Gordon was terrific.
“He was also lucky enough to win the North of Scotland Cup with the Jags in 1953 and I have the medal in the same box as my own North of Scotland Cup winners’ medal from exactly 40 years later in 1993 with Caley.
“It’s great to know that Mr Inkster has kept the medal safe all these years and it has always been nice over the years to meet up with former teammates of my dad.”
Never booked in 12-year career
Remarkably, Gordon completed his career without ever having been booked.
His service with the club was recognised with a benefit against Fraserburgh in a Highland League match, which netted him £160.
The football memories project launch will also hear the story of Roshie Fraser delaying his honeymoon in October 1970 to play for Thistle in the Highland League Cup final against Clach.
Thistle won 6-1 and Roshie’s new bride, Dolina ‘Lina’, was pictured with the cup and the team a day after her marriage.
Anyone with a photograph that they would like to feature on Am Baile should contact ambaile@highlifehighland.com or send to Am Baile, Highland Archive Centre, Bught Road, Inverness.
The ICT community development team can deal with inquiries. Contact mark.watson@icttrust.org.uk
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