The Early Years

The Club had its origins in 1877, losing the first match with Glasgow University at Corstorphine 1-0, but it was not until 1878 that the Club was formally constituted playing a return game with Glasgow at Hampden Park in January and drawing 2-2. EUAFC has been a member of the Scottish Football Association (formed 1873) since 1878.

The Club was one of the earliest University sports clubs and from the outset was part of Edinburgh University Athletic Club, formed in 1866 and the parent of the today’s Edinburgh University Sports Union (EUSU), which today has some 70 student sports clubs in its membership. The University had its own grounds at Corstorphine and these hosted Athletics, Cricket and Rugby football in addition to Association football. EUAFC’s team in its first season was drawn mainly from Ayr Academy, Perth Academy and from Winchester and Harrow public schools. Captain in seasons 1879-80 and 1880-81 was John Smith of Ayr, a founder member of the Club. He was representing EUAFC when he won his first full international cap for Scotland against England at Hampden Park on 13 March 1880 (a 5-4 win) and when (now titled Dr J Smith) he scored a hat trick for Scotland in a 3-2 victory against England at Sheffield on 10 March 1883. His third cap was earned against Wales at Wrexham on 12 March 1883 (a 4-1 victory).
Full international caps for Scotland were also gained by W Beveridge, a goalscorer in a 5-1 victory over Wales at Hampden Park in March 1880 and by J MacDonald in a 1-1 draw with England at Hampden Park in March 1886.

In the early years play was mainly within the Cup competitions of the SFA and the East of Scotland FA and saw EUAFC pitted against the leading clubs of that era. 1883 saw Heart of Midlothian defeated 5-2 in the final of the Edinburgh Shield played at Tynecastle Park. However the advent of the Scottish League in 1991 saw the emergence of professionalism and the amateur players of University Football had to find new competitive arenas with Scottish football.

The pattern of the 1890s continues in essence to be the story of EUAFC’s football. We see in the late 19th century the emergence of inter University football, ventures south of the border to play friendly fixtures with leading teams, all in addition to competitive matches against professional and amateur teams in the Edinburgh area. In 1900/01 season a strong University side was defeated in the final of the East of Scotland Association’s King Cup by the professionals of Cowdenbeath. In the Scottish (Challenge) Cup despite often receiving byes in the early rounds the University failed to make major impact in this competition. The only notable early success was a 3-2 home victory over Cowdenbeath in round 3 in October 1890.

 

1900 to 1940

The University students enjoyed their football and the Club generally thrived. There were disruptions, of course war was one: it depleted student numbers (and the ranks of every football club in the City) and it made matches more difficult to arrange. Then there was the Depression, which paradoxically may have had the effect of encouraging football, practised by young men with too much time on their hands. Over the early years of the 20th century inter-University football assumed new importance and prestige. There were matches with Aberdeen, Glasgow and St Andrews and also with Universities south of the border. In 1921 the Queen’s Park Football Club presented the magnificent Shield, which bears its name to the Scottish Amateur Football Association, for annual competition between the Scottish Universities. Edinburgh was to win this trophy for the first time in 1928/29. The captain of that season, W V (Bill) Stevens was prominent in later life in arranging a number of special Football Club re-union dinners, notably those to mark the years when former players, Dr Leonard Small (1967) and Dr James Matheson (1975) held office as Moderators of the Church of Scotland. The Club was strong and very active back in the 1930s fielding as many as 6 teams and happily settled at the University’s Craiglockhart playing fields (opened May 1896). There was a further boost with the start of the East of Scotland League in 1923/24 with strong representation from the Border communities. EUAFC did not join until 1926/27 season and left in 1930/31 to join the newly formed Edinburgh and District League. The demise of that League brought a return to the East of Scotland League in 1936/37. Since then, apart from the close down period for the 2nd World War (1939 to 1945), and the immediate post War years (1945/6 and 1946/7) EUAFC has been in continuous membership of the East of Scotland League and this has formed a major part of the Club’s annual programme.
The 1930s contained some vintage years for the Club with 4 consecutive Queen’s Park Shield successes (1930/31 to 1934/35) and an appearance in the Final of the Scottish Amateur Cup (first played for in 1909/10) in 1936/37.

 

1940s and 1950s

In the immediate post-War years 1947/48 stands out as a season of great success with victory in the Queen’s Park Shield and the capture of the East of Scotland Amateur Cup in the first year of this competition. An outstanding player within that team was the Captain Sandy Bruce, who scored 78 goals in the season. He was Scottish 100 yards champion, and while he later signed for Hibernian he was given few opportunities to perform at the professional level. A very important offshoot of the Club was the birth of the Spartans Football Club in 1951, a graduates’ club for many years, which welcomed many University footballers after completion of their studies. J.B. (Jimmy) Beaumont, its founder, was University Captain in 1948/49. The Spartans Football Club, while no longer exclusively for University graduates, continues to retain close links with the University and its football club. Ronnie Swan was EUAFC Captain in 1952/53 when the Queen’s Park Shield was regained. The Scottish Universities played English Universities at Westerlands, in Glasgow, on 20 December 1952, with Ronnie as Captain, in the first ever live televised football match in Scotland. It was to be 1957/58 before the Queen’s Park Shield was won again with Jimmy Dunnett in the side. Jimmy was to score 69 goals in the following season and to earn caps for British Universities. He was Captain of EUAFC in 1960/61. After graduating he embarked on a long period of playing and coaching success with Spartans before emigrating to Canada.

 

1960s and Scottish Qualifying Cup (South) success

The Scottish Qualifying Cup competition (introduced 1895/96) has always been a difficult one for the University, with the initial rounds coming at the start of September. In the modern era a place in the semi finals earned entry into the draw for the first and second rounds of the Scottish Cup, with potential for much needed revenue and publicity. The Qualifying Cup was restructured in 1930/31 into North and South divisions. EUAFC has won the Qualifying Cup (South) only once, in 1964/65 under the captaincy of S A (Stuart) Torode, when Peebles Rovers was defeated 4 -3 in the two leg final. The Scottish Cup draw presented EUAFC with a home 2nd round tie against Forfar Athletic. In a match played in difficult winter conditions on 27 January 1965 the University was defeated 4-1 with M D B Reed scoring the home side’s goal. The mid 60s saw a formidable striking partnership in the form of Dan Findlay and Ian Moffat, with both representing British as well as Scottish Universities and both holding office as Club Captain. There were successes in the Queen’s Park Shield in seasons 1961/62 and 1966/67 but at this time the first team found life hard going against the powerful University teams of Aberdeen and Glasgow and in a strong East of Scotland League.

 

Scottish Universities Representative Sides

EUAFC players have featured prominently in many of the Scottish Universities’ representative teams over the years. From 1965 to 1993 Scottish Universities competed annually against the other home nations in a group tournament format, involving (8) teams representing Scotland, N Ireland Wales, Oxford, Cambridge, London and England (2 teams), held during the Easter vacation. With 4 matches in 4 days for 18 man squads this was a demanding competition. Scotland had a strong record, winning the title on 12 occasions. Within a revised Home Nations format (Scotland, England, Wales and N Ireland) since 1994, with 3 games in 3 days, English Universities has been a powerful force, with players from over 100 institutions to call upon. However Scottish Universities continue to compete strongly and successfully.

 

Scottish International Amateur Caps

Scottish International Amateur teams were selected by the SFA and annual internationals commenced in season 1926/27 (with a match against England). Ireland and Wales entered the competitive arena in season 1928/29. With a break during the 2nd World War the series continued until season 1973/74. At this time England dispensed with the terms amateur and professional and all became players (either contract or non contract). Seven members of EUAFC earned a total of 17 Amateur International caps as follows: J R Russell (1) 1929 v England; T Sibbald (1) 1930 v Ireland; D Christie (4) 1936 v Ireland, 1937 v England, Ireland and Wales; R D G Gordon 1937 (3) v England, Ireland and Wales; A T Bruce (3) 1951 v England, Ireland and Wales; F R Larkin (3) 1961 v Ireland and Wales, 1963 v Wales; R Purvis (2) 1970 v Ireland and Holland.

 

Success in the 1970s

The 1970s brought a sustained period of success starting with the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup (first competed for in 1898) and won for the first time by EUAFC in 1972/73. Under the captaincy of Ian Smith Civil Service Strollers were defeated after extra time and on penalties in a final played at Tynecastle Park.
Ian Smith had invited Alan Chainey, a new member of staff within the University’s Physical Education Department, to coach the Club and he took on the task in September 1972 and continued in that role for ten seasons. The Queen’s Park Shield, played to a 14 game per team League format involving all 8 Scottish Universities, was won in 1973/74, starting a run of eight consecutive successes in this competition. Also in 1973/74 there was a rare appearance in the Scottish Cup as a result of reaching the last four in the Scottish Qualifying Cup (South). Queen’s Park FC were the opposition at Hampden Park in a first round Scottish Cup tie, which was rescheduled from the Saturday, (because of the Scottish League Cup Final between Dundee and Celtic), and played on Monday 17 December 1973 in the afternoon because of power restrictions in force at the time. The University came close to upsetting the odds before losing 1-0. In the following season the Club challenged strongly for a first East of Scotland League title, before losing out to Selkirk by a single point at the end of a 24 match programme. Season 1976/77 brought a second success in the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup with victory over Spartans in the final played at Canal Field and a first success in the King Cup (first competed for in 1888) with victory over Hawick Royal Albert FC in a final played at Galashiels. In late March 1977 there were 8 Edinburgh players in the Scottish Universities’ starting line-up for the final of the British Universities Group Tournament, against Wales at Cambridge (won 3-0). In a 50 match competitive programme the EUAFC first team had a season record of won 39, drawn 6 and lost 5, goals for 197 against 67. Selkirk once again headed the East of Scotland League by a single point from the EUAFC. David Arnott (who had been Club Captain in 1975/76) scored 38 goals and Colin Campbell 37 but they were surpassed by Stewart MacKinnon’s outstanding 61 goal tally. 1976/77 was to be the last season for the Football Club at Canal Field, with the Rugby Club moving there following the sale of Craiglockhart and EUAFC moving to East Peffermill for August 1977.
Colin Campbell on graduating in 1978 signed for Hibernian FC, where he soon became a first team regular under manager Eddie Turnbull. He played in the three Scottish Cup Finals (two replays) against Rangers in May 1979. Subsequently his career took him to Dundee United and to Airdrieonians. Derek Rodier was leading goalscorer for the University in season 1978/79 with 28 goals, and he too signed professional with Hibernian on graduating.

 

1980s and 1990s

With increased professional and family duties Alan Chainey stood down as Club Coach at the end of the 1981/82 season and was succeeded by recent graduate David Stewart for season 1982/83, before work took him away from Edinburgh. The Club was fortunate in being able to recruit Colin Hutchison to the post for the start of the 1984/85 season and to have the ongoing support of Dr Andrew Ross, graduate, athletics blue and Dean of Divinity, who had become an active supporter of the Club when oldest son Gavin came to the University in 1976. Andrew, who was to become the Club’s first Honorary President and Colin recognized the need to consolidate Club administration and the coaching structure across the three teams. Colin, an Aberdeen graduate and long time Spartans player, was teaching in Edinburgh and gave enormous service to the Club, as Head Coach from 1984 to 1996, as first Chairman of the Club’s Development Committee and also in representing EUAFC within the East of Scotland League and Association. Success was becoming harder to achieve within an enlarged East of Scotland League, which divided into a Premier and a First Division in 1987/88. The Coaching structure within the Club was extended with the addition of first Scott Fraser and then Colin Campbell at first team level and with the introduction of coaches at 2nd and Colts team levels. The Queen’s Park Shield was won in seasons 1989/90, 1991/92, 1993/4 and again in 1995/96. There was an increased focus upon University Football with the restructuring of British Universities Sport and entry from season 1992/93 (for the first time) for the leading 2 Scottish Universities into the final stages of the British Universities Cup. In season 1993/94, under the captaincy of Brian Scott, Edinburgh progressed from the last 16 stage to the Final where they defeated Cardiff 2-1 in a replay at York (following a 3-3 draw after extra time in the Final played at Walsall’s Bescot Stadium), to win the BUSA Cup and the title of British Universities’ Champions. The Final was again reached in 1995/96 but on this occasion, again at the Bescot Stadium, the Roehampton Institute emerged as winners, 2-1 after extra time. At this time in both the BUSA Cup and the British University Games (Home Nations Tournament) Scottish Universities punched above their weight, frequently competing against teams which included professional and semi professional players. In Scotland at this time the University Football clubs were restricted to fielding players holding Amateur status.

 

The EUAFC Development Committee

Colin Hutchison elected to step down from coaching duties in Summer 1996, but continued to assist the Club, most notably as chair of the newly formed Development Committee. A formal launch of the Development Committee and a Players Reunion Dinner was held on Saturday 29 November 1997 with over 100 attendees. As its name suggests the Committee seeks to assist the longer term development of the Club. While EUAFC is fortunate in receiving a fresh intake of student footballers each Autumn, has the energy and enthusiasm of its elected student officials plus outstanding training and playing facilities at Peffermill, the Club has suffered in comparison to other Senior clubs because of the lack of continuity in playing resources and administration along with a paucity of coaching resources to manage and develop players across the Club. The pre and early season period, July to September, is always critical in laying the foundations for the Senior team’s season, but all too often the Club has lacked a strong playing squad for this period. Over the past two decades major attempts have been made to address these weaknesses. The financial base of the Club remains fragile, with Sports Union grant funding meeting only roughly 20% of core footballing expenditures. The financial base has been extended through a range of fundraising initiatives, with efforts made to enlist the support of former players, while longer term strategies and objectives have been established. The 200 Club provides an important source of income, as does local sponsorship and player membership subscriptions. Bob Dryburgh (player 1972-75 and Secretary 1974/75) has been an immense supporter of the Club with major sponsorship each season for two decades. Dr Ian Smith chaired the Development Committee from its formal launch in 1997 until he stepped down in Spring 2010. The other initial non-student members were Colin Hutchison, the late Dr Andrew Ross and Alan Chainey. The Development Committee make up has the Club’s student officers holding a majority of membership. After Colin Hutchison stepped down his place was taken by Stewart Fowlie (Club Captain 1998/99, 1999/2000 and 2000/01).

 

Professional Coaching

With a measure of support for Youth development from the Scottish Football Association and a major commitment from the Club, professional coaching expertise was recruited in Summer 1997 in the form of Head Coach Neil Orr. Neil had enjoyed a long and successful playing career with Morton, West Ham and Hibernian before turning his attention to coaching. He was engaged to work part-time (25 hours per week for 10 months per season) as Head Coach and first team Manager. After 5 successful seasons, during which time EUAFC won the Queen’s Park Shield on 3 occasions (1998/99, 1999/2000 and 2000/01) earned promotion to the East of Scotland Premier Division (2000/01), were runners up in the King Cup and twice losing semi-finalists in the BUSA Cup, Neil moved on to take up a post as an SFA Youth Development Officer within Midlothian in Summer 2002. In 2011 he moved with his family to Canberra, Australia and continues to work in Football development.

In June 2002 the Club was able to obtain the coaching services of Kenny Black, former player with Rangers, Motherwell, Hearts, Portsmouth, Airdrieonians and Raith Rovers. Kenny, like coaches Colin Campbell and Neil Orr before him, with the approval of the Club and the Sports Union, was eligible to represent the Club in the non-University programme. All three clearly demonstrated their high playing standards and experience of the Senior game, benefiting both team performance and player development. Kenny Black had a very successful seven month spell with EUAFC before his playing and coaching talents were recruited back to Airdrie United in January 2003. By this time the Club had reached the final of the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup and was well placed to earn promotion from the First Division back to the Premier Division of the East of Scotland League. Stewart Fowlie, Sports Union President in 2002/03 and a key first team player at the time, took over Kenny’s coaching duties until the end of the season. Despite the disappointments of losing in the Final of the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup to Edinburgh City at the Pennypit, Prestonpans, and at the quarter final stage of the BUSA Cup to Northumbria (after having ousted holders Loughborough in the last 16 stage), promotion was duly earned and the Club went up as First Division champions.

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Final Thoughts

It is difficult to do justice to the multitude of players and officials who have been involved with the Edinburgh University Association Football Club. For all those who are, or have been members of the Club there will be rich memories of triumphs and of failures, of travels near and far. But most especially there will be memories of the friendship and camaraderie which characterize training sessions, match day ventures, social events and leave such lasting impressions on all those fortunate enough to be involved with the Club. An outline history attempts to document some of the most significant events, players and personalities–but will inevitably fail to recall the complete story. One of the great features of the University side is the ever-changing pool of talent, with the need to replace those who graduate and move on an annual challenge.

The last century and more has witnessed a sea change in University sport and in Scottish football. Today there is a vibrant and busy programme of cup and league football for all four of EUAFC’s teams. University facilities have been greatly enhanced for training and for competitive play across a wide range of sports. When East Peffermill emerges from its major upgrade, Edinburgh University football will be able to hold its head high among its Scottish peers and far beyond.

What is important for the Club now is to seize the momentum of recent times and to build upon the past success, so that each successive year has the chance to benefit from the past and to build for the future. For this Edinburgh University football has some pressing needs. There has to be a continuation of the great tradition of leaders and administrators giving up time to ensure that the Club operates efficiently. There has to be a strong spirit among the student members to commit to the demands which participation in high-level football undoubtedly involves. And there has to be the hard-headed realisation that this effort must be backed up by professionalism and far sighted planning behind the scenes. The Club has to work strongly with its key partners within the University, notably the Centre for Sport and Exercise and the Sports Union, within Student Sport (Scottish Student Sport and British Universities and Colleges Sport) and within the governing bodies of Scottish Football. Edinburgh University has a great football tradition because many have given their time, energy, resources and commitment. If this can be sustained then the future of football at the University will be a bright one.

Alan Chainey, Honorary President