Bennie Bob Image 6 Heart of Midlothian 1928

Description

Slamannan, Stirlingshire born left half Bob Bennie began his football career with Parkhead Juniors during the First World War and joined Third Lanark in 1918, playing two seasons at Cathkin Park before joining Airdrieonians in 1920. He was a key member of The Diamonds’ highly successful 1920’s team, boasting a young Hughie Gallacher and Willie Russell, that finished in second place in the Scottish League Championship four years in a row between 1923 and 1926. They won the 1924 Scottish Cup Final beating Hibernian 2-0 at Ibrox.

Bennie was first capped for Scotland when selected in a 3-1 victory over Wales at Tynecastle in February 1925 and won his second cap the same month in a 3-0 win over Ireland at Windsor Park, Belfast. His final cap also  came against Ireland when he played in a 4-0 win at Ibrox in February 1926. He also played for The Scottish League in a 2-1 defeat to The Football League at Villa Park in October 1928.

In the 1928 close season he was signed by Heart of Midlothian for £2,300, and played his last game for Hearts in December 1932 having scored 8 goals in 145 appearances for The Jambos. After his retirement from playing he became the manager of Raith Rovers from 1933 to 1934.

His uncle, also Bob Bennie, played for Airdrieonians, Hearts, St Mirren and Newcastle United in the late Victorian era.

NB the photograph was taken before his Scottish League appearance against The Football League at Villa Park on 7th November 1928.