Former Nairn football hero recalls glory days
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One-time goalkeeper Richard Konczak was part of the team that won the club's only title, in 1976.
He was among the guests at a monthly meeting of Inverness Caledonian Trust’s Football Memories Group at the Highland Registration and Archive Centre.
Richard Konczak was a member of the Nairn County championship winning team of 1976 when the club secured its only title in a dramatic play-off beating Fraserburgh 2-1 in front of more than 3000 fans at Borough Briggs in Elgin.
Richard was accompanied by stalwart sweeper Robin Mitchell who was voted the club’s Player of the Year that season.
He recalled how Davy Johnston fittingly ended his career where it all began that season playing 12 games in their title winning charge.
“It was great to have Davy as part of the team. He was my boyhood hero and will never be forgotten by fans who had the privilege to see him play,” Richard said.
The County custodian recalled how after sweeping aside the challenges of top sides Elgin City, Caley and Ross County they nearly stumbled at the final hurdle.
“In our last two games we drew with Huntly and Rothes – games we were expected to win. But it was enough to get us to the play-off and goals from Alex Gordon and Peter Robertson with two assists from Stan Brown saw us over the line with a 2-1 win after extra time.”
Richard was a hero himself as he continued into extra time after taking an unintended kick in the teeth in the final minute of normal time. His bravery saved a certain goal which would have changed history.
Donald Wilson, who was a young journalist and covered that match for the Nairnshire Telegraph, shared his memories too in particular of the career of Davy who was the subject of a book, Pittodrie’s Silent Assassin, in 2010.
North of Scotland FA President Alex Chisholm, chairman of Clachnacuddin, also attended to recall Clach’s proud history in the North of Scotland Cup of winning the trophy a record 22 times, the last success being in 2002.
High Life Highland, which manages the archive centre, is partnering ICT Community Trust and Clachnacuddin in promoting Inverness Football Memories, which is recording the history of football in Inverness since the formation of the first football clubs in 1885.
Am Baile, the Highland history and culture website, is involved.
Anyone with any memories or memorabilia is invited to send them to Am Baile co-ordinator Jamie Gaukroger at Highland Registration and Archive Centre, Bught Road, Inverness IV3 5SS or email Jamie.gaukroger@ambaile.org.uk
