Saints legend Bill McCarry

Bill “Buck” McCarry, who played 306 games for St Johnstone between his debut in August 1963 and his final match in April 1971, has died at the age of 79.

These are statistics which put him in the top 10 appearance makers in the club’s history.

McGarry worked as a miner in his native Clackmannanshire before signing full-time forms for Falkirk.

National service with the 1st Battalion Black Watch meant that games were few and far between for Buck, but his versatility showed when he turned out at centre-half and right-half. One of his colleagues while on duty for Queen and country was another footballer – the famous Jim Baxter. The two became great friends and Baxter was best man at Buck’s wedding.

Buck was a key member of the Falkirk team that won promotion in 1960-61 and was used in a variety of positions as the club consolidated its place back in the top flight.

After 79 league games for Falkirk, and still only 24-years-old, he signed for St Johnstone and went on to become a Saints legend. He became a regular in a great Perth side under Willie Ormond and could play either centre-half or centre-forward. His Muirton Park career saw him notch up more than 300 appearances and he became a fans’ favourite.

He appeared for St Johnstone when they played Celtic in the 1969 League Cup final but his day was spoiled by a knee injury and he was taken off at halftime.

Buck saw out his career with Stirling Albion and then worked in the brewery trade when his playing days were over.

Bill “Buck” McCarry played 306 games for St Johnstone.