John Mackintosh

John was born in May 1934 at Viewpark, Lanarkshire and played football for the Uddingston Grammar School Former Pupils Club, before stepping up to the Junior Grade with Larkhall Thistle. It was there that he became a full-back of outstanding ability and August 1951, before his first season as a Junior was over, John was provisionally signed by Hearts for a fee of £105. The apprentice plasterer was subsequently called-up by Hearts’ manager, Tommy Walker, in December 1951.

Tommy Walker wanted to establish a reserve team that shadowed the first eleven and John’s principal role was to cover Tom Mackenzie, Bobby Kirk and George Thomson. Unfortunately, the remarkable consistency of these three men restricted John to only one competitive appearance which was against Celtic in the League at Parkhead on 18 April 1959. He also played in two prestigious challenge matches, against a South Africa XI in 1958 and Admira Wien in 1954.

During his National Service from 1955 to 1957, John was often based overseas, including spells in Germany and Aden. This restricted his football, but John eventually made over 160 appearances for Hearts Reserves and assisted the team to win the King Cup Final for season 1951-52 against Hibernian; the Second XI Cup Final in 1953-54 also against Hibernian; and the Reserve League Championship in 1957-58.

With nine seasons as a back-up defender, Tommy Walker clearly rated John’s ability and being a noted sprinter, and a bowler with Uddingston Cricket Club, he was fit and reliable and always ready to join the first team.

John Mackintosh was released in April 1960 and then had short spells with Airdrieonians and then Berwick Rangers.
Our sincere condolences are extended to his family and friends.