Nostalgia permeates the air at Duncansfield Park, the home of Kilsyth Rangers, where memories of past glories, particularly from the Scottish Junior Cup triumphs of 1955 and 1967, continue to resonate.
Russell McKay, who recalls when "bings" served as spectator vantage points, notes the changes at the ground, including the introduction of hydration breaks for players and a renovated tunnel. This tunnel, upgraded by supporters, serves as a hall of fame, adorned with images of legendary players and significant club moments. One inscription proclaims: "The Team Found in the Mines Rises."
William Dunbar, the club secretary and groundsman, embodies the club's enduring spirit. Despite a demanding day job, Dunbar dedicates his spare time to maintaining the pitch, a task he's been undertaking since his youth, following in his father's footsteps. "This club runs in the blood of the Dunbars," he stated, highlighting the deep family ties to Kilsyth Rangers, with his daughter involved in the club's lottery and his wife serving in the bar.
While Dunbar is too young to recall the club's Junior Cup victories, he remembers league titles and harbors hope for promotion. The club experienced a strong unbeaten run from Christmas, boosting morale, and a recent friendly victory against local rivals Kirkintilloch Rob Roy offered a positive sign.
Photographs and newspaper clippings decorating the lounge walls evoke vivid recollections of the club's past successes. The 1955 Scottish Junior Cup final saw Kilsyth Rangers draw 0-0 with Duntocher Hibs before a crowd of 65,000 at Hampden Park. A replay, however, resulted in a decisive 4-1 victory for Kilsyth, with Alex Querrie scoring all four goals. Wattie Hamilton and Russell McKay, who were present at the time, recall the immense crowds and the overwhelming elation of returning as champions.
Further success came in 1967 when Kilsyth Rangers defeated Rutherglen Glencairn 3-1 in another replay for the Scottish Junior Cup. Robert McArthur, who served as hamper boy for the semi-final, remembered a challenging start but a strong comeback. He noted the exceptional talent of the 1967 squad, with nine players going on to professional careers, including Pat McMahon, who played for Celtic and Aston Villa.
The club's tunnel, upgraded during the COVID-19 pandemic, now features decorative panels that narrate the club's history. Davids McArthur, a retired HR manager, has been instrumental in various ground improvements, reflecting the collective effort of the community.
The John Ferguson Memorial Trophy, currently held by Kilsyth Rangers after a win against Kilsyth Athletic, honors a dedicated supporter and club historian. Ferguson's meticulously detailed history of the club, spanning from 1945 to 1995, chronicles the club's journey and its notable players, including Lisbon Lion Willie Wallace and Frank McGarvey.
