Harold Whitelaw is probably the last link with one of the true pioneering regions of the game in Australia.
Socceroo #81, Harold was born and raised in Minmi, the son and grandson of coal miners brought from Scotland to dig for the Brown brothers. The Minmi Rangers were one of the very first football clubs in the country set up by the miners to play the game they brought with them from the "Auld Country".
As there were no juniors at Minmi the Whitelaw twins were snapped up by West Wallsend to join their junior ranks after shining for Newcastle High.
Harold made his one and only appearance for Australia in 1938 on the wing against India at the Newcastle Sports Ground but would rack up 166 first grade matches for Westie, Adamstown & Wallsend during his career.
He died tragically early and was a much-loved part of the Newcastle radio scene reporting on the game he loved and administered so well.
As a sideline, Harold's uncle was the only Australian man to defeat the great Les Darcy in the boxing ring and between them the 4 Whitelaw brothers Bill, Jack & Harold and his twin Hugh, logged up 647 first grade matches between them with Jack the most prolific with 197.
Socceroo #81, Harold was born and raised in Minmi, the son and grandson of coal miners brought from Scotland to dig for the Brown brothers. The Minmi Rangers were one of the very first football clubs in the country set up by the miners to play the game they brought with them from the "Auld Country".
As there were no juniors at Minmi the Whitelaw twins were snapped up by West Wallsend to join their junior ranks after shining for Newcastle High.
Harold made his one and only appearance for Australia in 1938 on the wing against India at the Newcastle Sports Ground but would rack up 166 first grade matches for Westie, Adamstown & Wallsend during his career.
He died tragically early and was a much-loved part of the Newcastle radio scene reporting on the game he loved and administered so well.
As a sideline, Harold's uncle was the only Australian man to defeat the great Les Darcy in the boxing ring and between them the 4 Whitelaw brothers Bill, Jack & Harold and his twin Hugh, logged up 647 first grade matches between them with Jack the most prolific with 197.
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