ROAD TO RUSSIA
feel the same way about that pink jersey as Sir Alex Ferguson did about those grey shirts worn for 45 minutes a few years ago by Manchester United.”
McCalliog was at Hampden on Sunday night to see the Scots keep alive their qualification hopes by defeating Slovenia.
But he was there as a guest of a friend – his one and only invite to a Scotland match came several years ago when George Peat was president.
No one can tell McCalliog Scottish football fans do not treasure their history. He has recently organised “Legends of Football” nights at the Clyde Auditorium with, among others, Graeme Souness and Joe Jordan, John Greig and Willie Henderson.
Tickets are also flying out the door for his next event on April 13 when Charlie Nicholas and Bertie Auld will reflect on their lives and careers. McCalliog said: “I’m speaking on behalf of all ex-players. The guys don’t like putting their noses around the door, just because they played X number of years ago.
“It would be better if the clubs and the SFA made it more welcoming but right now there has been no approaches from the SFA to recognise the 50th anniversary and no invite to the game on June 10.
“Some clubs do it brilliantly. I played at Chelsea for only a couple of years when I was first breaking through but their former players’ association sends a hamper every Christmas. It’s a fabulous gesture.
“It’s wonderful Cristiano Ronaldo has had that airport named after him at the age of 31. It was also a terrific moment when Celtic erected a statue to Billy McNeill but maybe football should look after its people a little earlier.
“Scottish football history has played its part by inspiring new generations and it’s nice when things are not going well to look back and remember the good times.
“The sport is one of the best products ever. It can be played by everyone, from walking pace to a run, and it isn’t expensive. But too often those who helped in its success have been taken for granted.”
Ultimately if the SFA can’t do it then McCalliog will. He is currently in discussions to host a dinner to honour his team-mates from 1967.
Typically, all proceeds will go to A&M Scotland, the charity established by former Dundee United winger Andy McLaren to help deliver football programmes to under-privileged kids.
McCalliog, who runs a successful B&B with wife Debbie in Fenwick, said: “If the SFA did organise anything it would be wonderful and appreciated.
“The next milestone after 1967 was 1974. Perhaps the SFA could put something in place to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our World Cup qualification.
“In the meantime a shirt on June 10 would be a great idea.”
An SFA spokesman confirmed they’ve no plans to mark the 1967 victory “beyond commemorating it on our social media channels”.
JIM McALLIOG