Willie Knox (1937 – 2026)
We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Willie Knox, whose contribution to football in Scotland stands among the most distinguished of any Manager of the Junior game. His achievements, particularly at Auchinleck Talbot, set standards that have shaped generations that followed.
Willie managed Talbot for 16 years, leading it to unprecedented levels of success. Under his leadership, the team secured 43 trophies, including five Scottish Cup victories, nine League Titles, and nine West of Scotland Cup wins. His outstanding contributions to Talbot and football generally was formally acknowledged in the 1989 Queen's New Year's Honours List, where he was awarded the British Empire Medal.
During his time in charge at Beechwood Park, Willie established a remarkable record in the Scottish Junior Cup. He guided the club to five titles, an achievement that placed him at the forefront of the competition’s history. Most notably, he oversaw an unprecedented sequence of three consecutive triumphs, the first time this had been accomplished. The run began in 1986 with a dramatic turnaround against Pollok at Hampden Park and continued with victories over Kilbirnie Ladeside in 1987 and Petershill in 1988 at Rugby Park. Further successes came in 1991 against Newtongrange Star at Brockville and in 1992 against Glenafton Athletic at Firhill, completing a body of work that defined an era of excellence in the Scottish Junior Cup.
His achievements extended beyond any single match or season. Willie’s teams displayed consistency, resilience, and a commitment to the community values at the heart of our game. His record established him as one of the most successful figures ever to manage at this level, and his influence reached far beyond Auchinleck, inspiring clubs and coaches across Scotland.
We recognise with gratitude the profound impact he had on players, supporters, and the wider junior football family. His legacy endures not only in trophies won, but in the spirit and pride he helped foster throughout our communities.
Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew him, and we pay tribute to a life devoted to Scottish Junior football and to the competition he illuminated with distinction.
Bobby Macnamara
President
Scottish Community FA