July 21, 1950
A “second chance” has come to 21-year-old Lanark outside right, Charlie McAllister, of Kenilworth Road. As a schoolboy he was signed by Liverpool. There, he played game after game in one of the English club’s several reserve sides. But National Service commitments intervened. He had to do his share. When he had, he came home, severing his connection with Liverpool.
Under the rules of the time he was ineligible for re-instatement unless to the grade he had left to go senior. The career of Charlie McAllister looked – and was prematurely ended in these circumstances. For what senior club – the only grade he was eligible to continue in – would take the chance with a comparatively unknown youngster? And, of course, schools football was out.
Douglasdale last season head of him and tried to get him back into junior football, but all to no avail. The rule was hard and fast.
Then enlightened legislation two weeks back altered the rule to allow youngsters like McAllister, who had entered senior football direct from school and, for varying reasons, could not go on as seniors, to “comeback” to any minor grade.
With whom, then, will McAllister take his “second chance?” Forth Wanderers is the club.
Bob Mofat, back from his holiday, came on to tell me of McAllister’s signing in mid-week.
“I think we have a good boy here,” he said. The background is assuring.
(Source: Carluke and Lanark Gazette: July 21, 1950)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 