Former Spiders striker with Unforgettable Debut gearing up for World Cup fever
NEXT year is shaping up to be huge for football after Scotland’s incredible World Cup qualification.
The team, who trained throughout the successful campaign at The city Stadium, are heading to the east coast of the USA for groups stage games with Haiti, Morocco and Brazil in June.
And it’s fair to say since the breath-taking finish to the match with Denmark, football fans around the country have been on cloud nine.
Former Queen’s Park striker Lawrence Shankland was on the scoresheet that night, but another former Spiders striker has been doing his bit to encourage some World Cup excitement from his fellow neighbours and residents.
Ian Denholm remembers the pride of receiving his own call-up to the Scotland amateur squad in 1972 while playing for the club.
Back in 1970 he made 27 appearances for Queen’s Park FC and scored 14 goals including a remarkable four on his senior debut against Brechin City.
Now aged 77 Ian is resident at Oakminster Cumbrae House Care Home, and has been reminiscing over his career and achievements while basking in the anticipation of seeing Scotland back on the big stage once again.
He said: “Seeing the Scotland squad get through to the World Cup was something I never have thought I would see again in my lifetime – I hoped I would but dreams are usually shattered in the eleventh hour!
“The qualifiers brought back so many feelings for me and seeing our country being called for the group stages was a dream come true.
“I remember, all those years ago when I was just 24, the excitement and the nerves that come with being chosen to represent your country when I was selected for the Amateur Squad in 1972. I can’t even imagine what it must be like on the world stage.”
Ian added: “My professional debut with Queen’s Park FC will always stay with me because nobody expects to score four goals the first time they step out onto a senior pitch.
“I remember walking off afterwards thinking I had changed something in myself. Then of course the next week I was on the bench which made me laugh because football always finds a way to keep your feet on the ground.
“Things are very different now to what it would have been like back in my day – don’t get me wrong we worked hard and looked after ourselves, but you can see in the play how much things have changed.
“When I watched Scotland recently I could not believe the quality of some of the goals. The skill and confidence of the squad was incredible. It reminded me of watching the great showmen of the past. I would not compare anyone to Pele lightly but there was real flair on display. It made me proud because it shows just how much Scottish football has grown.
“My advice to the boys heading to the World Cup is simple. Just enjoy it. You’ve got the support of the nation.
“When you get to my age and you’re reminiscing about your own career highlights you realise just how quickly everything goes by. Before you know it the moments you waited your whole life for have come and gone so that’s all I would say, enjoy every minute and they will carry those memories forever.”
Ian sums up his views on football and the hopes of young, aspiring players with one succinct line: “It’s every young boys dream to play fitbaw – I got to live it, and I know this generation of players are inspiring more to come.”
Ian takes part in football reminiscence sessions at Cumbrae House – part of Oakminster Healthcare, which operates five care homes across Glasgow including Oakview Manor in Pollokshields, Oakbridge in Knightswood, Florence House in Govan and Chester Park in Kinning Park.
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