Undoubtedly, this is one of the most, if not the most eagerly awaited legend interviews with one of the most popular and most colourful characters ever in Windlaw's history.
Since this section began, it has always been one of the site's main objectives to nail down an interview with Sir Jimmy B (SJB from now on, it takes too long) but as always SJB has had ‘a bit of business to take care of mucker'. So we are now delighted to introduce the man himself to the few people who don't know or haven't heard of him. Needless to say, I don't want to spoil the rest of the interview by saying too much about SJB, but for the few people from MARS who don't know SJB (and even they might have stayed in Mitchell Hill flats!), SJB was a Windlaw goalkeeper (Walter Zenga) of some repute for around six years before the club eventually ‘got serious' and to this day, still has many friends at the club where his respect is unsurpassable and his legendary status likewise.Without further ado…….
Q) How did you first become involved with Windlaw?
SJB) Whilst watching a young Avoca side at Carmunnock, I was asked by Jim Currie and Marty Docherty to come and watch their Saturday Morning Team. I asked if I could join in with their training at St Margaret Mary's Games Hall, which I did. I seen an opening as goalkeeper and took it with both hands (ps-unlike many crosses, ED!), although I had never played as keeper before.
Q) Who were the big characters in the team at that time?
SJB) Everyone! There was always great banter and laughs but all the lads were very serious when it came to a game and they all looked after each other. I was just saying to the skipper (Paul McInally,what a ball player,aye,wi his own!) the other night that I should write a book with the stories I know.
Q) What was your biggest achievement playing for the club?
SJB) It had to be winning the double but I must admit pulling on my shirt every Saturday was an achievement and a great feeling just to be involved.
Q) The famous ‘sniper' incident at Barlia, would you care to tell your fans what this was all about?
SJB) It had to come up eh! Well, being a keeper, we gave big John Lunny (a boy at the time) a run out in a friendly. I played midfield and won the ball from a corner on my own 18 yard box, beat 3 players and played a neat one-two with big Shug or Gerry Gray (can't remember which one). I beat another 2 men on the half way line and seen the opposition keeper off his line.I pushed the ball too far in front of me thinking I was 16 again but my legs told me I was in my 30's and buckled at the same time. I'll never forget it and nor will anyone who witnessed it. It was like a sniper had shot me down.
Q) Is it true that you once couldn't play because of a suspected ‘torn sock'?
SJB) Not true, it was a ladder! I would have played wi nae socks on for the cause.
Q) You have a reputation for being reliably unreliable, is that fair comment?
SJB) Only in my latter years! It was hard tae get the wummen aff fae the night before. At least I was reliable for getting that right!
Q) You still have many friends at the club, how do you think the team has done since your retirement?
SJB) Well, we set a standard for the club back then by getting to the First Division. The team now have bettered that and have some great wee players, but I don't think they have the same unity as we had. I also think that Stevie Thomson gave us a lot of respect to bring us all on every week when he was still playing. Stevie as a player, boss and friend knew how to get the best out of us.
Q) The current Windlaw No 1 John Lunny, how do you rate him?
SJB) First class. Great shot stopper, bit dodgy with cross balls but got to be the best keeper around and I don't mean his waist. Also, I wish I could have helped the big man in his training regime as we had a good understanding with each other. Very proud of him, very pwoud. Only wish I could have given him more food for thought (ha,ha!) and more years of a challenge. I don't think there was much between us considering I wasn't a keeper to start with
Q) What was your all-time favourite Windlaw eleven excluding yourself.
SJB) John Lunny, Pat McLaughlin, Jamie Walker, Paul McInally, Zanda Dougall, Paul'Wabbs'Waters, Big Shug Neeson, Stevie Thomson, Martin Docherty, Jim Currie, Chris Paterson, Mick O'Brien (in true Brennan style that's 12 players, what a guy!). I would also like to say that all the lads I played alongside did their bit for the team. Some may not be with us anymore but are still thought of when I mention the Windlaw. Rest In Peace Wullie Robertson (hear,hear).
Q) Its taken us six long months to nail you down for this interview.When do you think,we'll see you again?
SJB) We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when, but I know we'll meet again some sunny day!
May I also say that it has been a great privilege to have played a part of a great team and I do hope that the new lads who come in can try and keep the side going for many more years to come. Also, I believe there should be an honours roll for the likes of Stevie Thomson, Colin Carmichael and Mick O'Brien for all their efforts in keeping the Windlaw name and team alive and kicking to this day. Away the lads!
What can I say Sir Jimmy, this has been the hardest interview I've ever had to conduct. It's taken six months to get you, then I had to interpret your dodgy spelling, adjectives and grammar. All this has made for the most incoherently hilarious piece of journalism I'll ever have to carry out for this website but also the most enjoyable. As I wrote it, the memories and the laughter flowed, enjoy your place in the coveted hall of fame mucker and watch out for that floor, I told you it was slippy.
