In 1947-48, East Stirlingshire won the Scottish League Division ‘C’ at a canter, with 18 victories from 22 league games. But the 12-team division consisted mainly of reserve sides and as a result the title does not rank with the 1931-32 success. The Shire next won promotion as Division Two runners-up to St Johnstone in 1962-63, but as in the 1930s the club’s flirtation with the top flight was brief and relegation followed in 1963-64.

East Stirlingshire then disappeared for a season in 1964-65. Against the fans’ wishes, the club merged with Clydebank Juniors to create ES Clydebank. The new club played at Kilbowie Park that season before East Stirlingshire regained its identity and independence after a court case brought by the club’s shareholders. Both clubs reverted to their original names the following season and The Shire returned to Falkirk. Clydebank returned to junior football before later securing a place in Division Two in 1966-67.

Incredibly, it was 1966 before The Shire appointed its first manager. The board of directors had chosen the team until handing the reigns to Lawrence Binnie.


PREVIOUS  l  NEXT