Player Profile

Willie Telfer Date of Birth: 26 Oct 1925 Birthplace: Larkhall

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In any list of St Mirren greats, a place would require to be found for William Douglas Telfer, the six foot centre half who anchored St Mirren's defence over so many years. When he joined Saints, in 1943, it was as a full back and he made his debut against Queen's Park at the beginning of the 1943-44 season. It was not until a year later that he was given the chance to play for the club at centre half. Once he had established himself, he became a truly dominating player and made more than 500 appearances in St Mirren colours. He also went on to be an inspiring captain and played the occasional game up front where he could also be a very capable performer.

Willie won just one full Scotland cap against Wales in 1954, a fact that many apart from St Mirren supporters found quite astonishing. In 1957 Rangers paid £10,000 to take Telfer to Ibrox where he had three fine years before ending his career with Queen of the South. Willie was also Manager of Albion Rovers between 1962 and 1965.