Ian’s spell between the sticks for Saints was short and sweet
Goalkeepers have come and gone through the years.
There have been some good and some bad... and some I’d rather not mention.
The likes of Campbell Money and Billy Thomson have always been highly regarded.
For the younger generation there was Ludovic Roy, who was simply fantastic as St Mirren stormed to the First Division title in the year 2000.
However, Roy experienced an injury the following year opening the door for Derek Scrimgour to make a beeline for the first team.
Scrimgour started with a 2-1 CIS
Cup win over Dunfermline, where goals from Steven McGarry and Barry McLaughlin sealed victory for the Buddies.
He started again the following week before shipping seven goals in a 7-1 defeat at the hands of Rangers at Ibrox.
Up stepped Ian McCaldon.
The big English keeper, arriving on loan from Livingston, was thrust into the side to make his debut against Hearts.
It wasn’t exactly the best start to life as a Saint as goals from Colin Cameron and Scott Severin pushed St Mirren closer to the relegation spots, with Scrimgour restored back to the starting line-up for the following weeks as Saints struggled to get a run of form together over the Christmas period.
He returned to the side for a midweek clash with Dundee United, replacing Scrimgour on the 48- minute mark, and keeping his spot for the next three games until Ludo returned from the physio’s room.
And that was that.
His Saints career was finished.
His journeyman career continued throughout, with spells at the likes of Ross County and Peterhead following.
Further stints at Berwick Rangers, Chester City and Oxford United further enhanced his experiences, while he took a break to move Down Under before returning to Berwick Rangers in 2010.
He has acted as goalkeeper coach at a number of clubs since eventually hanging up his gloves, featuring as a coach for the likes of Livingston, Hibernian Ladies, as well as the Scottish Womens’ national team.