The phrase Windlaw Legend could not be more appropriately used to describe our next subject, Shug Neeson.
One of the famous men who have played for the club from the very first game, the big man brought the curtain down on his illustrious and at times controversial Windlaw career at the end of the 2004/05 season.
Probably the club's best ever player, he won all the league's major honours with the club through the years and was a three times Player Of The Year and on one occasion the Top Goalscorer.
Undoubtedly the big man was the boss in the midfield. The Stravanan Stroller was superb in the air, a great passer and a potent threat in the opposition box. He was the man the opposition feared and will be irreplaceable at the club. His one problem was getting onto his team-mates too much but that was only because he demanded the absolute very best of them and we've all had our share of verbal volleys from him over the years.
As the club thank him for all his efforts and he sails into our Hall Of Fame, big Shug gave us this interview and we give him his platform to do what he always does best…………….have the last word…………..
Cheers for the memories big man and don't be a stranger
What are your memories of Windlaw's forst ever game, who played, who scored etc ?
I have very cloudy memories of it as it was so long ago. Im sure it was against Dunbreac at the old Alexandra Parade pitches and we won 3-2. Scorers were myself, of course, Big Rab Smith and Brother Paul Dooley. Other players from that day were Gary McGregor, Danny Dooley, John Fitzpatrick, Wabbs, Wullie Calton and Pat & Chic McLaughlin.
What is your funniest ever Windlaw story or memory ?
There are a few, nutmegging Bill McMurdo (yes him!) in a friendly at barlia, especially as he fell on his backside as I done it; Wullie Calton playing with odd socks on (Had to be seen to be believed); The mass brawl against Provan (never seen so many handbags) in the game that got abandoned, but the best has to be when we played Patrick Thistle away some years ago. The minibus which was carrying most of the team turned up, not including me though. The bus emptied with most of the boys, shall we say, looking well, scared shitless when big John Fitz gets out the van with the biggest alsatian dog Ive ever seen. Apparently there wasn't much conversation in the minibus that day and no one dared make eye contact with the dog.
Who was the funniest Windlaw character you remember ?
Jim Brennan, who if you listen to him sounds exactly like Rab McGlinchey interpreting for the neds (Chewin the fat) Know wit a mean, Shooooeeeey man !
What was the best goal you ever scored for the club ?
I scored a nice free kick against St Ambrose in a cup final that we lost in extra time, and the other was against the Huddleboard when I scored from my own half.
Who, in a 1-11 formation, is the best team you have played in ?
I'd like to nominate 2 teams (Coward)
Best Team Ever: John Lunny, Martin Kerr, Paul McInally, Zanda Dougall, Wullie Thornton, Paul Waters (Wabbs), Shug Neeson, Allan Dougall, Kevin McCann, Scott Williamson, Benny Carey.
Legend XI: Jim Brennan, John Fitzpatrick, Pat McLaughlin, Paul McInally, Big Shaun (Nobody knows his second name), Wullie Robertson, Rab Smith, Shug Neeson, Stevie McGowan, Paul Waters, Gary McGregor Subs: Danny Dooley, Bruce Tierney, Jim Currie, Wullie Calton.
Did you ever think, after starting as a street team all those years ago, the club could have developed as it has, winning the treble etc ?
I dont know. The guys who formed the club were very serious in what they wanted, as in to play in a league and not just friendlies and to get guys who wanted to play every week. Eddie Fitzpatrick, a local businessman, bought the club a new set of green and white striped tops with sewn on numbers at that, and the founder members of Brother Danny Dooley, John Fitz, Pat and Chic McLaughlin, Gad, Bod, Wabbs and Wullie Calton made a vow only to smoke the ganja on a Saturday night.
Nowadays as Windlaw have won a few trophies, playing is a lot more serious than it was in the beginning. That isnt to say the legends didnt take things seriously, but there was definitely more laughs then
And another thing, if today's team were to play the Legends of Yesteryear, I think today's lot would just edge it 1-0 or 2-1, something like that. But the Legends could ad a wee bit of intimidation to their game and well, there would only be one winner from then on.
How will Gail ever be able to put up with you on Saturday mornings again ?
Ha ha !!
The question should be how will Windlaw cope without me in the middle of the park ? Anyway, I would just like to thank everyone Ive played alongside down the years (sob sob !!) Its been a pleasure, and as someone once said, "They thinks its all over , it is now !"
The Number 8 !
