The Scotland Epistles Football Magazine

If you were to ask me if there was a trophy for the Home Internationals I would probably have answered no as I don’t recall ever seeing it. So it was a surprise when I came across this photo and there it is. I suppose given the permutations on the final day of the Championships, it wasn’t always available for the winning team to hold it aloft. After all it would be quite embarrassing for it to sit at Wembley only for the Irish to win it at Windsor Park.
Apparently the cup was first played for 80 years ago this year and was part of the King George V’s Jubilee celebrations. I have included two other photos to show what a magnificent looking trophy it was.

The main photo is of course of Joe Jordan, Tom Forsyth and Danny McGrain in an England top, with the trophy. This was taken at Hampden in May 1976, as we have just beaten England 2-1 to clinch the trophy with goals from Don Masson and Kenny Dalglish. All three players pictured had a big part in that win. Jordan with some great wing play to cross the ball for Dalglish to put the ball through Clemence’s legs. There’s also the sight of Danny McGrain splitting the English defence with a great run and passing move just failing to connect fully as he shoots. However, best of all, in the last few minutes as Channon looks to be clean through; a great clearing tackle from Big Tam helps see the game out. Great days and have a look at the video on You Tube. Go for the full length version though and see us denied a penalty too!
As for the trophy; it now belongs to the Northern Irish FA as they were the last winners. For the moment though, it sits on long term loan to the National Museum of Football. Maybe we should request for it to be on display at our National Museum of Football as we won it on quite a few occasions too.