Alex Forsyth



Alex ForsythBorn in Swinton, Lanarkshire in February 1952, Alex Forsyth began his footballing career as an apprentice at Arsenal. It was with Partick Thistle where the full back would really make his mark as he was part of the Jags side that demolished Celtic in the 1971 League Cup Final. Furthermore he also played in a game that most Motherwell fans that were in a attendance to see it would rather forget when Thistle won 8-3 at Firhill in December 1971, Alex was also a scorer in the rout.

His performances in Maryhill didn’t go unnoticed as he was selected to represent the Scottish League XI for their game against the English Football League XI on the 15th March 1972, catching the eye of Scotland manager Tommy Doherty he would win his first full Scotland cap in June of 1972 against Yugoslavia.

When Doherty became the manager of Manchester United he signed Forsyth for a fee of £100,000. At Old Trafford he made over a century of appearances in all competitions, he helped the side regain their top flight status earn the won the English Second Division in 1974/75. Additionally, Alex was also part of United side that lost the 1976 FA Cup Final to Southampton when they conceded a late goal.

As he eventually lost his place at United which led to a spell on loan to Rangers followed by the move to Ibrox being made permanent. He had enjoyed such a distinguished career up until this point and if truth be told his best days were well and truly behind him by the time he had arrived at Fir Park. He had been known for being a strong full back with peace in abundance but these attributes had sadly regressed. Forsyth was a regular fixture in the Motherwell first team for the first half of the 1982/83 season but he lost his place in the side in early January.

As his career began to wind down he made the short trip over the Clyde to join Lanarkshire rivals Hamilton Academical in 1983. Alex had a short spell with Queen of the South before bringing an end to his professional playing career.

Name:
Alexander Forsyth
Height:
5′ 9″
Weight:
11st 11lbs
Date of Birth:
5th February 1952
Place of Birth:
Swinton, Lanarkshire
Position:
Defender
Nationality:
Scottish

Football Career:

Partick Thistle 1970 1972
Manchester United 1973 1978
Rangers (Loan) 1978 1979
Rangers 1979 1981
Motherwell 1982 1983
Hamilton Academical 1983 1985
Queen of the South (Loan) 1985 1986

Well Career:

Apps Goals
League:
18 (1) 0
Scottish Cup:
0 (2) 0
League Cup:
5 0
Other:
0 0
Total:
23 (3) 0