Obituary: John Murdoch

It was with great sadness that Kilmarnock FC learned of the passing of former player and assistant trainer John Murdoch in the early hours of Saturday, 27th December 2025.

Until his death, at the age of 99 years, John was the oldest known former Kilmarnock FC player.

He was born in Riccarton, by Kilmarnock on 19th May 1926, and began his playing career in junior football as a goalkeeper with Riccarton Bluebell. Kilmarnock manager Tom Mather signed him from the Kirkstyle Park club in November 1947, and his first team debut was made on 21st February 1948 in a home B Division game against Cowdenbeath. The following week he saved a penalty in a 3-1 away win over East Fife. He only played in another 2 League games that season, before new manager Alex Hastings took over, although the new man did choose John to play in goal for the two end of season friendlies against A Division clubs St. Mirren and Clyde. He made another 4 B Division League appearances the following season, but left Kilmarnock in April 1949, signing for South of Scotland League club St. Cuthbert Wanderers.

He later played for Stranraer before joining top Ayrshire junior club Irvine Meadow XI. He went on to have a decent career with them, and was the goalkeeper in the fine Scottish Junior Cup run of 1950/51 that took Irvine Meadow XI to the Final at Hampden only to lose 1-0 to Petershill Juniors before a record Junior attendance of 77,650. Such was the outstanding feeling of goodwill from the townspeople of Irvine at the team reaching the Final, every player was made a freeman of the Burgh and each of them were given a “Burgess Ticket”, a highly esteemed award in Scottish towns. John always wondered what they would have received had they actually won the Cup.

In later years he became a trainer with Irvine Meadow XI, taking over from Walter McCrae, who had joined Kilmarnock FC as trainer/physio. In 1964, John became assistant trainer to Walter at Kilmarnock after Ernie Nash had left club to join St. Mirren. John looked after the reserves along with Norrie McNeil, and remained at Rugby Park until 1972 when he joined Davie Sneddon at Hurlford United.

On Friday 2nd May earlier this year, some 17 days before his 99th birthday, John received an award in the 1869 Suite at Rugby Park known as the “The Colonel’s Certificate” in recognition of his outstanding service to the Scots Guards. Awarded by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Colonel of the Scots Guards. It was presented to John by Eddie Edmonstone, Chairman of the Scots Guards Association.

John was a very proud man and was well liked by all who knew and had the honour of working with him at the club. The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected with The Kilmarnock Football Club are with John’s family and friends at this sad time.