Jim Patterson (footballer)

James "Jim" Patterson (c.1928 – 16 December 2012) was a professional footballer and all-time record goalscorer, with 251 goals for Scottish League club Queen of the South.

Early years

Patterson was playing for Luncarty in his native Perthshire, with his performances catching the attentions of onlooking scouts. One of these was from Queens, who, rather than move for the big forward, were waiting for his demob from the army. This nearly cost the Dumfries club dear. Patterson was invited to spend a weekend with Manchester City for a trial and a look around. An ex-Queens player, Jackie Oakes, was at City at the time and made arrangements for Patterson's accommodation in anticipation of his extended stay. However Patterson had a change of heart and returned to Scotland. This was when Queens made their move.^[2][3]

Queen of the South

Patterson was signed by Queens manager Jimmy McKinnell, Jr. in 1949. At the time, Queens had been in the top division of Scottish football since 1933, a club that already had McKinnell as manager and Roy Henderson, Dougie Sharpe and Billy Houliston at Palmerston Park as players. Jimmy Binning joined in 1951 and goal scoring outside right Bobby Black in 1952. All would represent Scotland at some level except Henderson despite being selected six times as reserve goalkeeper for Scotland.^[2]

Patterson made his Queens debut against Dundee at Palmerston on 12 November 1949. Although Queens were relegated in 1950 this was also the only season in the 20th century when the club would reach the Scottish Cup semi finals. Queens were promoted straight back to the top flight as Scottish B Division champions in 1950–51. The success of that season was enhanced by a run to the semi final of the Scottish League Cup. The early and mid-1950s saw the club's most successful spell to date, achieving consistent mid table finishes in the Scottish A Division, as the top flight was then called. This peaked with a sixth-place finish in 1956, a finish surpassed only once in the club's history.^[2] In one game against reigning champions Hibs in 1951–52, Patterson outshone their Famous Five forward line by hitting four goals in Queens' 5–2 win.^[2]

Queens were subsequently relegated from the top division in 1959. The following year, former Scotland and long time Blackpool FA Cup winning goalkeeper George Farm signed for Queens. Queens would make it to the League Cup semi final in 1960–61 for the second time. Farm was made player-manager in 1961 and with Jim Patterson still playing the club were promoted back to the top division in 1962. Thus Patterson finished at Queens playing top division football. With Patterson at Queens at this time were future Scotland centre forward Neil Martin, right winger Ernie Hannigan who like Martin went on to play in England's top division and long servants Allan Ball and Iain McChesney.^[2]

Patterson's greatest scoring feat came when he scored six goals in a 7–0 win v Cowdenbeath during the 1961–62 season.^[2] He was one of the few full-time Queens players of that era. Patterson is the club's all-time record goalscorer by a considerable margin with 251 goals. Bobby Black is the 2nd highest goalscorer with 120 goals, with Andy Thomson the 3rd highest goalscorer with 114 goals. Patterson made 462 appearances with Queens between 1949 and 1963 and is 3rd highest in the club's record appearances list behind Allan Ball and Iain McChesney. His last game for Queens was at Shawfield Stadium against Clyde on 4 May 1963.^[2]

Patterson's scoring exploits were honoured with one game for Scotland, when he led the Scottish attack versus The Army in 1953 at Hampden Park. Patterson can consider himself unlucky to have played his best years at a time when quality Scottish centre forwards were in abundance with the likes of Lawrie Reilly.^[2]

Patterson died on 16 December 2012, aged 84.^[4][5]

References