This month we talk to Graeme Landels who was an integral part of the
midfield engine room that drove the club to their pivotal second Scottish
Junior Cup win in 2002. There were big expectations from the Rose faithful
when Graeme was signed as he was a major player in a very successful
Whitburn team. He was soon not just meeting those expectations, but
exceeding them as he went on to become a fans favourite at Prestonfield....
What are your memories of winning the Scottish Junior Cup with Whitburn?
The overriding memory I have is how much it meant to the fans and the town
itself. Whitburn had been so close on many occasions over the years but
had just fallen short and you could see how much it meant to everyone.
You moved to Linlithgow Rose a few months after that cup win in a swap
deal involving Davie McGlynn - how did the move come about?
I got a call from Brian McNaughton just after he moved from
Whitburn to Linlithgow as manager. It took a few frustrating months for both
parties to agree the deal. I think initially Linlithgow offered a straight cash
deal but Whitburn were short on numbers so the player swap was agreed.
Our younger readers may be surprised to hear this, but Linlithgow and
Whitburn were big rivals at that time and were involved in a couple of league
deciders. How did the supporters of both teams react to you after the move?
Apart from the annual 90 minute sledging I got at Central Park every season,
the Whitburn fans were great with me, I think it helped being a local lad! I
was certainly apprehensive in the early days of my Linlithgow career,
however I’d like to think I won over most of the Rose fans eventually.
Do you remember your first game for Linlithgow?
It was Haddington at home. I only met the lads an hour before kick off as I had just signed on the Friday. I remember
thinking how strong the squad was and potentially this could be a really successful season. By half time, we were 2
nil down and Mark Quinn and Brian were just about exchanging hay makers in the dressing room. Safe to say, it wasn’t
the best of starts !
What are your strongest memories (good and bad) of your Scottish Junior Cup finals with Linlithgow?
The 2002 final was the highlight of my career. Having all our family and friends in the club that night was just a special
moment. Whytie singing ‘Hail The Gallant’ in the tunnel before we went out is a close second though! Obviously the
Tayport final was a massive low. Collectively I think we know we didn’t play to our potential on the day and tactically
we got it wrong.
Who is the best player you ever played with?
Tony Rougier – the only player I ever saw completely dominate Gazza.
And the best player you played against?
Jorge Cadete, though Ian Durrant was superb also.