William Arbuckle

William Arbuckle, was born and bred in Kilmarnock. After leaving school, he studied physical education, also becoming a qualified masseur, and was employed for twelve years at a Glasgow college. Alongside this he was the trainer at Kilmarnock F.C. for five seasons.

After five seasons with the Ayrshire club, he joined Margate F.C. in 1934.The club were formed as a feeder club for Arsenal F.C. In May 1937, Arbuckle resigned his post after being unable to accept the new terms offered by the club.

After a short spell with Portsmouth, Willie moved back to Scotland, joining Dundee F.C. as trainer in July 1938, working with manager Andrew Cunningham.

WW2 saw football close down in Scotland in, and the manager, and backroom staff, at Dens Park were relieved of their duties, only the groundsman, David Hunter was retained.

Dens Park was used for a match in June 1943 between a Scottish Command team and the R.A.F., Willie took charge of the R.A.F. team, while Jock Thomson oversaw the army. The proceeds of the game went to the “Wings for Victory” campaign.

When football restarted Willie returned as trainer. However it wasn’t long until he was forced to retire due to ill health.

Willie died on 24^th July 1946. Four Dundee F.C players were pall bearers at his funeral at Dundee Crematorium. Both Dundee teams were well represented by their club’s directors and staff, as well as many other people from the football fraternity. Proving him to be a well respected figure in the world of football.