RIP Colin McCullie 

Everyone at Cowdenbeath FC was truly saddened today to learn of the sudden passing of ex-Cowden star Colin McCullie – one of our legendary top flight side of season 1970/71. His son Tony contacted us to advise that Colin passed away yesterday in the company of his wife and friends. Tony told us too how his father often spoke fondly of his time at Central Park and loved the recent get together where he met up with his old Cowdenbeath playing colleagues. Our sincere condolences go out to Tony and all of Colin’s friends and family. Colin was held in high regard at Cowdenbeath and many of us recall Colin in those heady days back in the early 1970s.

Colin lived at Carron when he was signed by Cowdenbeath as a midfielder from Gairdoch United by Andy Matthew in 1968. Initially, he was farmed out to Dunfermline Jubilee Athletic but then he made an enormous impact in the Cowden ‘A’ team, which won the East of Scotland League title in 1969/70. Colin had moved into the forward line and was like greased lightning - few defenders could match him for pace. He scored 35 goals for the reserves in that year and also made a couple of 1st team appearances as Cowden won promotion to Division 1. He went abroad for the first ever time then as all the players were given a two week break in Majorca as a reward for winning promotion.

For the opening fixture of Cowden’s 1st Division campaign, John Dickson was out suspended and Colin was brought into the team v Dundee. He was then named man of the match in the Sunday Mail and News of the World. Colin also played for us in the League Cup semi final at Hampden v Rangers. Cowden were edged out 2-0 but were denied a stonewall penalty when Ronnie McKinnon downed Colin in the box. Colin’s greatest day with Cowden though came in that top flight campaign at Shawfield. He scored a memorable hat-trick in a 3-1 Cowden victory – those who were there have not forgotten it. This was the high spot for Colin at Central Park.

In 1972 Alex Smith signed him for Stenhousemuir. He played for the Warriors for a number of years after being converted into an overlapping full back. Then Colin had spells with Broxburn, Raith Rovers and Camelon. Colin then did something unusual for a player – he became a man in black – a referee! A highlight came when he went with Bob Valentine and Jim Renton to run the line in a European tie in Poland at Widzew Lodz. Colin later moved with his work up North and officiated in the Highland League. He also did his coaching badges. He coached the youth team at Forres Mechanics and then managed Forres Thistle for a couple of years.

Colin then moved back home to Falkirk when he was working with Calor Gas. It was a real delight to have him join us for the delayed 50th anniversary reunion of the 1970 team at Wee Jimmies in 2023 (Colin pictured back left). He was able to meet up once again with his team-mates from that very special time at Central Park. He gave us all some golden memories back in the day.