The name Francis Whitfield
Beattie is revered by supporters of K.F.C. Frank was an inspirational
player who could turn a match through his own endeavours. He was skillful, uncompromising in the tackle and strong in the air. Mention
of his name evokes memories of a golden era in the history of
Kilmarnock F.C. He was kind enough recently, to share some of his
memories with us…
How did it all begin?
I always loved
kicking a ball about in the streets of the mining
village of Plean,
where I was born. My uncle bought me a proper leather football when I
was very young and used to play with me. My earliest memories of
organised football are of playing outside right in St Modan's school
team which was very successful. I played with Dunipace Thistle for 2
years, then Bonnybridge Juniors. I had been there for only 6 weeks in
1953, when I was asked to have a trial with Killie. The match was
against East Stirling and I must have done quite well because Malky
McDonald signed me straight afterwards. For a number of years up until
the age of 26, I played part time with Kilmarnock. My main job was as
a miner. On two days of the week, I left for work at 6am, worked down
the mine from 7am until 2.30pm and then went to my father's house for
dinner. I took the train from Larbert to St Enoch and on to Kilmarnock
for training. I would not arrive home again until 12.30 or 1 o' clock
in the morning. It was a long day with a lot of travelling, but I
loved the game. I eventually became a full-time professional in 1960.
The golden era at
Killie?
Willie Waddell's
arrival signalled great changes at Rugby Park and I felt that he and I
had a good rapport. We had a great bunch of guys then too. A lot of
harmony and team spirit was created by the trips made to the United
States to play in the invitation tournaments, and by playing top
continental teams.

Willie Waddell
Willie Waddell put a very good
team together and we came so close to major honours on numerous
occasions. Unfortunately, we always seemed to come out second best. We
were definitely the most consistent team in the country in the early
1960's and if you keep knocking at the door, eventually you will get
in. We finally
made it in 1965, but it wasn't until
Davie Sneddon
scored with his head in the final match versus Hearts that I knew we
were going to win the Championship.(More
HERE)
I recall leaving my wife at home that day as she was expecting our 2nd
daughter. When the final whistle went I remember the mad figure of
Willie Waddell running onto the park to give us a big hug. It has been
said that I should have won the 'Player Of The Year' that season, but
it went to Billy McNeill instead. It was just one of those things, but
an 'old firm' player winning the honour would obviously sell more
newspapers.
The championship was only one of the highlights of my
19 years with Killie. There were also the great European encounters.
Unfortunately, I missed the opportunity of playing against Real Madrid
because of injury, but there was the
Eintracht Frankfurt game! I
didn't enjoy all the travelling abroad, but the games themselves were
marvellous to play in. There were some adventures too, such as going
to Albania. It was a lovely country, but very poor and it was
impossible to spend your money there.

May
14th 1971 Frank Beattie's Testimonial
There are many other memorable moments on the home
front too, such as a Killie versus Falkirk match when I scored twice
in a 3-0 victory. I also remember a semi-final against Rangers when we
lost 6-4, but I had a good game. I broke my leg in a match against
Celtic in December 1970 and didn't play again for a year. My Killie
career came to an end when I was given a free transfer at the ripe old
age of 39. I would like to be remembered as a dedicated professional
who always gave of his best - 100% plus in every game.