Celtic loss at Hampden stuck with Willie
Motherwell go to Celtic Park today, hoping for a bit of revenge for the 5- 2 defeat they suffered in their first home game of the season.
They last recorded an away win over the Hoops four years ago.
Former Motherwell striker Willie Mcclymont took part in the Steelmen’s first victory at Parkhead for 26 years when they won a League Cup tie in 1973.
But it’s a famous defeat for Celtic that sticks in his memory – because he reckons it inspired Rangers!
He recalled: “I made my first team debut for Motherwell against Morton in 1971.
“It was just five days after my 18th birthday, and I scored in a 3-1 win.
“I kept my place in the team for the next game, and that was against Rangers at Ibrox.
“It took place on the same day as the League Cup Final between Partick Thistle and Celtic. “We were drawing 0-0 at half-time when the news came through that Thistle were 4-0 up.
“That seemed to inspire the Rangers players to raise their game and we ended up losing 4-0.” It’s not uncommon for those christened William to be called different versions of the name.
His time at Motherwell mostly saw this forward referred to a Willie. He was later better known as Bill during a two- year spell in Australia.
But confusion over his Christian name caused long-standing amusement amongst Fir Park team-mates and friends.
He said: “One report of my debut against Morton in an evening newspaper referred to me as Dougie Mcclymont.
“Of course, there was a lot of hilarity about it when we came in to training the following week and the name stuck.
“Some of my pals in Glasgow also started calling me Dougie. One old friend still does it and nobody else can understand why.”
Willie was signed by Motherwell after a scout went to watch his Eastercraigs team-mate John Gray.
“Bobby Howitt put me in the Motherwell team and gave me a good run before Ian St John took over,” said Willie.
“I enjoyed playing for him. I was a regular in the side and you just wanted to play.
“We faced Celtic in the League Cup in 1973 and beat them 1- 0 at Parkhead to make it 2- 2 on aggregate.”
Willie scored at Celtic Park in the replay but Jock Stein’s men won 3- 2 – Jimmy Johnstone’s winner coming 15 seconds from the end.
Furious protests for offside were waved away by the referee.
“Playing against Celtic and Rangers was always a big thing,” Willie continued.
“I’d speak to people who supported both clubs and they’d tell me what they’d shouted at me during the games!”
A change of manager saw Willie depart from Motherwell in 1975.
He said: “Willie Mclean had taken over from Ian St John, and I was out injured for quite a while at that time.
“I just couldn’t get a game when I got fit again. “I got the odd chance and thought I was doing well but he preferred his own men.
“I left the club and had a couple of seasons with Stranraer.”
A move to the other side of the world then followed.
Willie went on: “I took a chance to move to Australia, thanks to some help from Sunday Post football writer Doug Baillie.
“There were a couple of clubs interested but I signed a two- year contract with Preston Makedonia in Melbourne.
“We reached a cup final by winning a game 17-16 on penalties. I scored twice from the spot.
“I was called up by the state team and played for Victoria against Dundee.”
Willie retired last year after spending 26 years in a job restoring classic cars and motorbikes.