Hugh Morgan

By the time Hugh signed for Dundee FC, on 22nd September 1903, he was regarded by some to be in the “veteran” stage of his career.

Born in Longriggend, a mining village near Airdrie, he started his career with Longriggend Wanderers. Whilst playing for the club, in 1895, Hugh was selected to play for Scotland in a junior international against England. This brought him to the attention of St Mirren, for whom he signed shortly after. Whilst with the Paisley club he gained his first “full” cap, representing Scotland v Wales in a 5-2 win at Fir Park in 1898. The same year he also played in the Scottish League v Irish League at Carolina Port, where he was highly praised for his partnership on the left wing with Alec Smith of Rangers.

Watching the League select game, the Liverpool manager, Tom Watson,  was so impressed with Morgan that he offered St Mirren £200, and Hugh £4 a week.  He made his debut in an away match against Sheffield Wednesday, which Liverpool lost, and went on to be the club’s top scorer that season. in 1899 he gained his second cap, when he was selected to play against England at Villa Park. Scotland lost 2-1.

After a successful spell with the Liverpool club, Hugh was transferred to Blackburn Rovers in 1900, where he stayed until 1903.

Hugh made his way back to Scotland, and became a Dee, joining his new team mates for training on the 23rd September. At thirty four some thought he was past his best, however it was reported that “he was the master in the art of combination, is most unselfish, and always trying to make openings for his partner” He had been played at inside left throughout his career, but Dundee intended to play him at inside right. He settled in straight away, forming a promising partnership with Jimmy Dickson. By May 1904, St Mirren approached the Dundee directors with a “considerable sum” being offered for his transfer back to Paisley. Whilst happy at Dens Park, Hugh had secured employment back in Renfrewshire, so the move made a lot of sense.

In November of the same year, St Mirren put him on the transfer list. Hibs were thought to be interested in taking him to Easter Road, but nothing came of it.

Hugh was still playing football, albeit it for junior club Kings Park, in 1906. It seems he couldn’t walk away from the game he loved.