Season 1943-44

The first match of season 1943-44 saw a 17-year-old making his debut at right back, by the name of Willie Telfer. Willie was to become a legend at Love Street over the following fourteen years. The match ended in a 3-1 victory for Saints and saw the name Linwood on the score sheet once again as he went on to net 17 goals to remain Saints' most prolific scorer.

Linwood scored a hat trick in a 5-3 win over Hearts during a great period for him when he scored eleven in seven games. Unfortunately, his scoring rates could not help the team and as they entered the New Year they were in the lower half of the table. January saw a slight improvement with 2-1 and 4-1 wins over Partick Thistle and Albion Rovers and a great 2-1 win at Ibrox. The first away win against Rangers since 1904! The goals were scored by a ‘trialist’ and centre-half Willie Kelly, who was outstanding throughout the match. However, he spoiled this when he was red-carded near the end and was later suspended for a month.

Following this victory, the season deteriorated and just two points were collected from the final six games.

Cup competition did little to Saints stature with failure to progress from the group stage of the League Cup and a 2nd round defeat by Motherwell in the Summer Cup. The Renfrewshire Cup did return to Love Street however with a 3-1 victory over Morton.

In May Saints young keeper Jimmy Cowan was allowed to join rivals Morton. Another case of ‘one who got away’ as he went on to gain 25 Scotland caps.