A commanding centre-half whose name featured heavily in the team line-ups of the 60s and 70s. Willie was a modest, unassuming player who gave the club outstanding service over a period of 13 years. Signed by Bobby Ancell in 1959, he was farmed out to the Motherwell nursery club, Douglas Water Thistle. When he was called up, he found himself as an understudy to John Martis and had to display enormous patience to earn his chance. However, suspensions and injuries did allow him a chance and he showed himself to be calm, composed and very relaxed regardless of the occasion.
He made his debut in the 1960/61 season, but over the first four seasons of his Motherwell career, Willie played in only 24 matches. However that total began to increase from 1964 onwards and by the time he left the club in 1973, he had amassed 277 league outings with a further 65 cup appearances. Remarkably, for such a big fellow, he scored just a solitary goal. Visiting fans might recall that came against St Johnstone back in 1966 at Fir Park. Very much a dependable player, McCallum was proud to play for his local side and was an exemplary professional. He later spent brief spells with Raith Rovers and St Mirren before retiring.
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Name:
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William McCallum |
|
Height:
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5′ 11″ |
|
Weight:
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11st 6lbs |
|
Date of Birth:
|
|
|
Place of Birth:
|
Motherwell |
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Position:
|
Centre Half |
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Nationality:
|
Scottish |
Football Career:
| Douglas Water Thistle | – | 1959 |
| Motherwell | 1959 | 1973 |
| St Mirren | 1973 | 1974 |
| Dunfermline Athletic | 1974 | 1975 |
| Raith Rovers | 1975 | |
Well Career:
| Apps | Goals | |
|
League:
|
271 (1) | 1 |
|
Scottish Cup:
|
22 | 0 |
|
League Cup:
|
44 (1) | 0 |
|
Other:
|
13 | 0 |
|
Total:
|
350 (2) | 1 |