The Scotland Epistles Football Magazine

On was regular item of Shoot magazine in the 70’s and 80’s; where players were asked a set list of questions. Some were football related i.e. Favourite Player, Most Difficult Opponent, Biggest Thrill and then there personal questions such as Favourite T.V. Show (T.V. was given the proper two full stops every time), Favourite Singers etc.
Most of the answers by players were generally banal, in fact former Notts County player David McVay called his hilarious autobiography “Steak Diana Ross – Diary of a Football Nobody” after the most likely answers for favourite food and singers. Former Scotland player, Don Masson comes in for a bit of a slagging in the book and David’s description of Notts County boss Jimmy Sirrel’s unique management style is well worth a peek.
Peter McLoy or the Girvan Lighthouse as he was affectionately known had played for Scotland 4 times although by the time of this article (July ’74) he had played his last game for Scotland the year before. In Willie Ormond’s first game in charge Bobby Clark of Aberdeen who had been a regular for Scotland at the time retained his place. However, Bobby was one of the scapegoats following the 5 nil drubbing by England on a wet miserable night at Hampden in February 1973.
So three months later, Peter was given his chance in a Home International game against Wales in Wrexham. Scotland won two nil that day thanks to goals by George Graham of Manchester United. Also making their Scotland debut that day were Danny McGrain, Jim Holton (who if asked his height on Focus On would have to answer 6ft 1in, which doesn’t rhyme as well), Derek Johnstone and also Derek Parlane of Rangers.
Alas, this was Peter’s only win in a Scotland jersey as narrow defeats to Northern Ireland, Switzerland and Brazil followed. In the latter game it was team mate Derek Johnstone who scored an own goal to give Brazil the win at Hampden. As to Focus On; Peter’s Favourite Player was Gordon Banks, most difficult opponent Johan Cryuff whom he had faced a couple of times as a Rangers player. His biggest disappointment was not playing at Wembley. Ally Hunter had been given the go ahead against England in between Peter’s Scotland appearances.
As for T.V. show, it was the Big Match and Alias Smith and Jones, singers included Glen Campbell and Lulu (Lulu for f**k’s sake Peter!), his Favourite Food was of course T-bone Steak. At least his Miscellaneous Dislike was not shaving but three putting at Golf. (No surprise there).