Player Profile

Willie Cunningham Date of Birth: 20 February 1930 Birthplace: Antrim First Match: 21/10/1950 v East Fife, Division A First Goal: 23/01/1952 v Stirling Albion, Division A Last Match: 09/01/1954 v Rangers, Division A Total Appearances: 68 Total Goals: 1

Willie Cunningham signed for St. Mirren in 1950 from Ardrossan Winton Rovers and made his debut against East Fife in October that year. A strong tackling full back, he became a favourite with the fans with his uncompromising style of play and by the New Year had established himself as the first choice left back.

Not renowned as a scorer he managed only one during his time at Love Street against Stirling Albion on the 23rd January 1952 in a 3-0 win.

He played in 24 matches during season 1951-52 and his performances began to attract the attention of the Northern Ireland selectors and he gained four caps whilst with Saints.

Injury curtailed his involvement during 52-53 and he managed only 13 matches.

He returned the following year but was not a regular in the side and left for Leicester City in 1954 where he added to his international caps eventually winning 30.

He went into management with Dunfermline Athletic and Falkirk before returning to Love Street in 1972.  This however was not a successful period, and he resigned in 1974, for personal reasons.

Before he left he was asked to recommend a replacement and the name he gave was Alex Ferguson.

The rest, as they say, is history.