Former Inverness Thistle player Gordon Inkster whose story featured in Inverness Football Memories project on Am Baile website dies aged 90
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A former Inverness Thistle player who featured in the launch of a recent footballing memories project has died at the age of 90.
Gordon Inkster, of Ruthven Road, Inverness, was one of the oldest-living Highland League footballers.
He is survived by his two daughters, Hazel and Avril, and two grandchildren Kenzie and Marley.
He was also a former captain of Inverness Golf Club, with whom he was a member for many years.
His story was highlighted in the Inverness Football Memories Project run by Inverness Caledonian Thistle Community Trust and High Life Highland.
Sharing memories of the beautiful game for new project
In fondly recalling his memories of his football playing days, Gordon recalled growing up in Bunchrew and attending Inverness Royal Academy before embarking on his career which began as a 16-year-old in 1947, being signed from Hill Rovers. He was the last surviving member of that team.
It was a career that was to span 12 years, with a two-year break from 1952, for his National Service, with the Army mainly served in Germany.
Gordon played in the Thistle Reserves as a half back until his breakthrough into the first team when he was asked to play right back in a challenge match against Falkirk.
He made such an impression that he was offered a trial with the Scottish First Division side and held on to the number two jersey at Kingsmills Park for the rest of his career there.
Gordon turned down the chance of the trial as he did not wish to jeopardise his apprenticeship as a motor mechanic.- a decision he never regretted.
He played with many great players and two stand out – right winger George Herd, who would also play for Clyde and Sunderland, and his great friend and family acquaintance, Andy 'Jupie' Mitchell, one of the most prolific strikers that the Highland League has seen.
Andy had played for town rivals, Caledonian, with whom he scored 10 goals in one league match, before being persuaded to move up the hill to play with Gordon with the Jags.
One of Gordon’s strongest memories was a bitter sweet one.
He played in every round of the 1955-56 Scottish Supplementary Cup (North) – this trophy replaced the Qualifying Cup for three seasons in the mid-1950s – helping Thistle reach the two-legged final against Nairn County. But an injury ruled him out of the big games.
Gordon was delighted that Thistle lifted the cup and that he did not lose out on winning a medal because his replacement as Johnnie Christie, father of ICT legend Charlie, kindly gave him his medal in recognition of him playing in every round leading up to the final. A fine gesture appreciated greatly by Gordon.
His service with the club was recognised with a benefit against Fraserburgh in a Highland League match.
Gordon’s story is one of many that are available within the Inverness Football Memories feature on the Am Baile web site, which is run by High Life Highland.
