Nithsdale Wanderers won the Scottish Division 3 title in the 1924-1925 season and to commemorate the 100th anniversary, a celebration night took place in the George Bain Lounge, Sanquhar on Saturday to mark the occasion.
In the same season, Rangers FC won Division 1 and Dundee United FC won Division 2 so the wee club from Sanquhar was in illustrious company that year.
The commemoration night was chaired by Stewart Park with guests John Watson, Ian Burgoyne and Graeme McLatchie with Andy Chung providing the musical entertainment along with Euan Bone and Stevie Johnstone.
After a delicious meal provided by Rosi Mucky-Pea and Graeme McQuarrie-Parkes and their staff, Stewart Park delivered the history of the club followed by a truly entertaining and hilarious talk from Ian Burgoyne and Graeme McLatchie.
The club’s achievement was quite remarkable and you have to wonder how, in 1924/25, did a team from Sanquhar get to the likes of Montrose back then. Players came and went to Portsmouth, Rangers, Celtic, Third Lanark and Queen of the South to name a few. Even the late Bill Shankly had a connection to the club – his brother John and Alex played with the ‘Dale in 1922-23 and were transferred to Portsmouth.
David Nivison, a Sanquhar man was in attendance with his son, Stuart. David’s grandfather was the manager in 1924-25 when the ‘Dale won the league and he brought along the medal presented to his grandfather.
The committee would like to thank Upper Nithsdale Community Trust for the funding, the top table guests and speakers who provided the entertainment and to everyone who attended.