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Review by Ron Ferguson
There is something magical about this book. Imagine, Volume 1 of a Who's Who of Cowdenbeath FC! And compiled by a Third Division club's resident historian! This itself is truly surreal. Eat your heart out, megabucks Chelsea.
This volume is packed with goodies. That is what you would expect from David Allan, who knows more about Fife football than any human being should even want to know. If this book doesn't satisfy your curiosity about Cowden's on-field and off-field characters, then it's time you were taken into care.
Even the very subtitle of "The Miners" is exotic: "Abdullah to McWilliams". Yes, the alphabetical story starts with the legendary Tewfik Abdullah. Davie begins: "Tewfik Abdullah was an Egyptian who was to swap the pyramids of Egypt for the coal bings of Fife." You can't get a better start to a book than that.
Tewfik - nicknamed "Toothpick" and "Abe" - served in the Great War. His British football career started with Derby County. David Allan reports that once he caused consternation by running on to the sand-covered pitch earnestly shouting, "Where's me camel?" At least, that's what people thought he was shouting. His words were actually, "Where's Mick Hamill?" He was supposed to be marking Mick Hamill, an Irishman playing for Manchester City.
Old Cowden favourite Willie Paterson who was with Derby recommended Abdullah to his father, Sandy, who was Cowden's secretary/manager. He played for Cowden in the 1922/3 season. David writes, "Abdullah was a natural footballer, if rather on the slow side, but was hampered by injury during his one year spell with Cowdenbeath."
Toothpick was given the ultimate accolade when a local miner named his greyhound "Abe" in his honour. I hope the greyhound wasn't as slow as Toothpick. Abdullah makes a terrific first entry, but the book is packed with gems. A lot of the players listed I have watched from the terracing, and David has got them just right. His research is meticulous.
Cowden cult figure Mervyn Jones is there. He was the full back who taught Bobby McCulley how to fly - right on to the track. David goes on: "The referee produced the red card, and as Mervyn trudged off, he decided to take a detour and proceeded to kick the prone McCulley, who was receiving treatment. Bedlam broke out with players swapping punches all round. Police escorted Jones from the park, and called reinforcements to protect the referee."
Lots of characters swerve or limp their way through the book. When it first arrived, I picked it up with a view to having a quick look, but I couldn't put it down. Maybe I should be taken into care. (You certainly should - Mrs Cristine Ferguson.)
Yes, my wife has had a lot to put up with over the years. Being married to a Blue Brazil fan teaches you that there is no known antidote to this disease, which attacks the brain's immune system.
Talking of fans, I'm pleased to see an acknowledgement of Jock Gilliard, who raised more money for the club than any other human being. Jock was an amazing character, a director of fantastic enthusiasm and love for the club, even though he was a bit lacking in diplomatic skills. I've heard of players getting an early bath by referees, but Jock was the first director to give a referee an early bath - still with his gear on. It was the same ref who redcarded Mervyn Jones. I'll bet the referee had to lie down in a darkened room after he went home.
This book should be purchased by every fan. It is a bargain at £5 (£5.75 with postage). All profits will be shared between the Supporters Club and the youth set-up at Central Park.
We're indebted to David Allan for this labour of love, and to Frank Dillon and the Supporters Club for making it all happen. Now I can't wait for Part 2.
Review by Brian Fraser
Not many books have been dedicated Cowdenbeath Football Club. A 1948 publication documented the halcyon pre-war years but the only other effort of note was Ron Ferguson's critically-acclaimed "Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil" which rapidly sold out its initial print run and became a mainstream success.
Thus, it was a pleasant surprise when club historian David Allan, the doyen of Fife football, announced that he would be publishing the first part of "The Miners" - an A to Z compendium of the most influential men to have graced Central Park and the original North End ground.
This volume begins with the legendary Tewfik Abdullah and concludes with Walter "Gunner" McWilliams. The front cover is decorated with photographs of 28 all-time Cowden greats and, cleverly, the names are revealed as you leaf through the opening pages.
Over 400 players are featured in this mine of information. Naturally, all the Cowden legends are featured in depth but there are scores of references to long-forgotten heroes lurking in the background and ready to take you by surprise. In days gone by, many Blue Brazilians were locally based and the history of the surrounding area often shines through the narrative.
It's the men on the park who grab most of the limelight but a long succession of managers and chairmen also make their presence felt, as do a selection of people associated with the Blue Brazil in other areas. Although not strictly a club history, key elements of Cowdens past permeate many individual player biographies. You will learn that The Miners were a highly sucessful side between 1924 and 1934, playing in the top division. The club returned to the big time in 1939 but the outbreak of war stopped them in their tracks. Also, you cant help to notice just how active the transfer market was in those days, with a multitude of players crossing the border for large fees. Perhaps the notion of "playing for the jersey" was always something of a pipe dream.
Ghosts of Scottish football also pop up now and again: Lochgelly United, King's Park, Edinburgh St Bernards and - of course - Bill Shankly's Glenbuck Cherrypickers. Inevitably, many readers will seek out the members of the three promotion-winning sides over the last 33 years. Those with even longer memories will revel in the accounts of Cowden's memorable cup victory at Ibrox back in 1949.
Lighter moments recall the prolific Willie Curle scoring a double hat-trick in a cup match and being presented with 6 lbs of sausages for his remarkable prowess. There is also the case of Jim Black, who set sail for the new world in a quest for soccer immortality with the revered Providence Clamdiggers.
This is an indispensable reference manual for anyone with an interest in Fife's footballing history, an ideal companion to "Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil" which I believe is still available. David is currently working on the second volume, which I am predicting will kick-off with one of Central Parks finest sons - Big Ming.
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