Alan McCulloch (1973-1990)

A very young Alan McCulloch - one of the greats!

Alan McCulloch made his debut for Killie against the mighty Brechin in December '63 and went on to play an amazing 489 times for the club. It has been argued that if he had played for a 'bigger' club then no doubt he would have added to his one under 21 cap, but we will never know for sure. What we are sure of is that any supporter who saw him play for Killie would be hard pushed to leave him out of his All Time XI, he is even described in the club's who's who book as 'outstanding'. Donny Muir interviewed him for the KTS magazine when it was on the go and here is what he had to say...

Tell us about your introduction into organised football.
At school I played centre forward and right back.

Why did you choose to be a goalie?
In high school I started playing goal at break and lunch times and from there I was installed as the goalie for Barrhead High School. I used to practice at home heading a tennis ball against the room wall and diving to save across my bed. I ruined 3 or 4 mattresses this way but by the age of 13/14 I knew I was better in goal than outfield. As a teenager I lived in a council estate in Barrhead and shared a grass playing field with other kids in our crescent. Peter Weir of St. Mirren and Scotland played on the same pitch at the same time.

You were discovered playing for Kilbirnie Ladeside, how did you get there?
I started playing boys club football at 14/15 and was nearly signed by my local junior club Arthurlie. However, Bobby Davidson bought my father a few beers and I signed for Kilbirnie at 16.

At what time did you become aware of 'senior' interest, was it just Killie?
At 17 and a half Kilmarnock's manager came to sign me as Ally Hunter (right) was moving to Celtic and Jim Stewart was to be his replacement.

Were you aware of Killie's long tradition of class goalies, and did this act as a spur or a hindrance?
I wasn't really aware of the fine goalkeeping tradition but the training and good ground at Killie helped me improve my ability.

Do you remember the first time you pulled on a Killie jersey?
I think I played an end of season game at home against Brechin City.

Were you part time or full time, how did you balance work with football?
I was always part time and joined the club as all the playing staff were being changed to part time. I left just as it changed back to full time. It was tough going working full time then going up to training using public transport much of the time 2 or 3 times per week; this was particularly tiring during the cold winter months.

What was the state of the club in these formative years?
Financially it was difficult. Hence part time.

Did you have access to 'keeping' coaches?
Only when I joined Jock Stein's Scotland squad at Inverclyde.

How and why did your breakthrough come?
When Jim Stewart (right) left for Rangers.

Any memories of your early first team outings?
Only some of the characters such as Brian Rodman, Jim McSherry and Chalky White.

How long did it take for you to establish yourself as first choice?
After I signed at 18 it took nearly 5 years before Jim Stewart moved on and I only got a prolonged spell at first team goalie whilst Jim was there under the managership of Willie Fernie who I had great respect for.

Tell us about your time on loan to St. Mirren.
Davie Sneddon was keen to give me first team football and Alex Ferguson at St. Mirren wanted a goalkeeper to strengthen the team and attempt to avoid relegation. I played for Alex for three months and they stayed up however he left Paisley soon afterwards.

You were famed as one of our most respected back lines, (McCulloch, Robertson, McLean, P.Clarke) what are your thoughts on this defensive line up?
Including Jim Clark and Derek McDicken we struck a good balance and worked well together forming a strong defence. We were picked to represent the Scottish league and I think most felt the back 4 were one of the strongest in the country at the time.

Big Derek McDicken                            Alan in later years

You got a bad injury against Morton (ankle) was this in the old premier and what were your recollections on this injury?
I was in the Scotland squad, which I was very proud of especially as a part timer. When playing at Cappielow I remember Bobby Thompson barged me as I took a high ball. I came down awkwardly and the rest is history.

Your injury gave fledgling keeper Jim Brown his big break - and latterly Ali Wilson, what was the calibre of these two?
Jim was a very courageous and talented keeper who had the misfortune to lose 7 or 8 in a league game, which was televised. He could have used better luck! Ali Wilson was thoughtful and talented and again given a better slice of luck could have been a first class keeper.

What is your opinion on what happened to Brown in that disaster game v Rangers (1-8), and do you think it ended his senior career?
Concentration went a bit but after a defence loses 2 or 3 to a big club they disappear and leave the keeper exposed. As Jim was relatively junior he bore the brunt of the blame. It definitely affected his confidence and future.

Wilson also fared little better; do you think they were just unlucky, or playing in a poor side?
A bit of both.

How did our see-saw seasons from premier to first division affect you?
Relegation at Palmerston one season affected me particularly. I still remember the day. We needed to win by so many goals and hope other results went for us. We won the game by 4 or 5 and thought we'd survived. In the dressing room elation turned to abject dejection and that time is one of my bitterest memories for weeks afterward.

You injured yourself when called up to play for Scotland, what was the story behind that and did you have many call-ups?
I played under 21 against Sweden as an over age player and played for Scottish League against the Irish League in Dublin. I was 3rd choice goalie in the Home International Tournament and went on tour where I should have earned a full cap against Poland but I dislocated a finger in training and lost the chance.

You received a player of the year award prior to the QOS game (which was won but the club were still relegated) in the Killie club and gave a truly moving speech do you have any memories of this?
It was after the QOS match when we were relegated and to receive such an award when the club and the town were down in the dumps needed me to put my bitter disappointment behind me and talk about recovery in a new season.

Why did you decide to step down?
I had injured a shoulder and was trying to recover but it seemed apparent that Jim Fleeting wanted his own team and to turn it into full time.

Was this a tough decision?
It was a very sad time as I felt I still had something to offer but Mr. Fleeting had his sights on his own team and embarrassed me in front of other players doubting my loyalty. I could tell it was time to leave.

Did you play after leaving Killie?
I had no desire to play for anyone else and never did.

What were you favourite matches from, the league, league cup, Scottish cup, Ayrshire cup, and any other memorable Killie games?
My memory of matches is dreadful. I can remember parts of games at Celtic and Rangers and winning the Tennent's Caledonian Cup at Ibrox. (right)

And of course were there any real nightmare games?
I made some gaffs particular early on in the first team, but fortunately they were limited to only one in any game - I hope!

Any lasting memories of being a Killie player?
Just the camaraderie and loyalty of the supporters. I also have great respect and fond memories of Hugh Allan, Jean and Freddie Milloy, Davie Sneddon and Walter McCrae.

Rumours you are now a referee, surely this is a lie?
Yes, the only way I could keep in the game - in the Northern League (roughly junior football standard).

Does being an ex-player make you a better ref?
Decisions are just as difficult to get right but it gives you an appreciation of players' frustration when kicked or cheated. You can anticipate better any problems on the pitch.

If you could change any rule what would it be?
Probably offside, but the offside law goes a long way to improving the game and creating more goals.

Did you make it to the cup final if so any thoughts?
Yes, I went with my two sons 18 and 13. We were amongst the fans behind the goal. My eldest is a supporter and wears his Killie strip around Whitley Bay. I would love to have been fortunate enough to have won such an honour for the people of Kilmarnock.

Do you feel that your Killie sides could have done better had they had better backing from the board?
Even in my days, football depends largely on investment both in cash and structure. Every club needed a big investor on the board to promote the club and Kilmarnock. Like most clubs at that time we were part time and struggled to survive.

Would full time football have helped?
Absolutely, but again it requires the investment and most businessmen are reluctant to take the gamble.

Do you still follow the fortunes of Killie?
Every week - there's only one result I look for.

Do you have any regrets?
None.

How would/do you want to be, remembered by the Killie fans?
As always trying to do my best and trying never to let them down.