From Pit to Pitch: A Story of Coal Seams & Football Dreams

Almost 150,000 people were directly employed in the coal industry at its peak in the early twentieth century. It had become a massive industry which fuelled a complex economy at the heart of the British Empire, and which exported coal throughout the world. By 1947 the UK coal industry was nationalised however, the industry was past its peak years and decline and closures became commonplace. The 1984-85 Miners’ Strike saw yearlong strike action which ultimately failed in its ambition to prevent further mine closures. The last deep coal mine in Scotland closed in Longannet in 2002, although the impact and legacy of the coal industry continues today.

Coal mining communities across central Scotland were the incubators of great footballers and a series of successful football club managers. Working day in day out in a dangerous environment, miners were reliant on each other for safety which naturally fostered a solidarity within mining communities. Resilience, hard work and teamwork, all traits commonly found within the coal mining workforce are important characteristics of professional football. Mining created strong and fearless players, rich in character and resolute in their loyalty.