Slater, Malcolm

S | Player Pics | A-Z of Players

Personal

Fullname: Malcolm Slater
aka: Malky Slater, Malcolm Slater
Born: 22 October 1939
Died: 20 January 2021
Birthplace: Buckie, Banffshire
Signed: 15 Nov 1958
Left: 5 May 1960 (free by own request); 5 May 1960 (to Buckie Thistle)
Position: Outside-right
Debut: Queen of the South 2-2 Celtic, League, 24 Jan 1959
Internationals: none

Biog

Outside-right Malcolm Slater joined Celtic as an amateur in November 1958 from the army.

He remained an amateur during his brief Parkhead career which saw him play five first team games and score one goal.

He had a fair record in what was admittedly a poor Celtic side, who actually finished even below Airdrie in the league, finishing 6th and well behind title winners Rangers. Celtic were in a new barren era for trophies. Celtic won two and lost two games in those he played in.

His one goal was the opener in a 2-0 league victory over Partick Thistle. This goal stemmed following a ‘dispute’ between Celtic’s Sammy Wilson and Partick Thistle’s McParland after the Celt had been floored by the Jag. Shortly after Celtic went ahead when Eric Smith sent a pass through to Slater who beat Ledgerwood with a shot from the corner of the box.

He also helped Celtic to victory in a 1-0 victory over Stirling Albion in the league in Apr 1959, making the assist from his free kick to McVittie to score the winner.

Malcolm Slater only played sporadically for Celtic generally filling in for others who were out due to injuries.

His time at Celtic was over-shadowed by the tragic death of his two brothers in a drowning accident in the summer of 1959. They had both drowned in a fishing boat sinking, Buckie having a big herring trawler fleet in these days.

Following this tragedy Celtic allowed Slater to go on loan to his hometown club Buckie Thistle of the Highland Football League – who he played for in his pre-Army days. Slater was released from his contract with Celtic in May 1960 at his own request.

Soon thereafter he transferred from Buckie Thistle to one of the top clubs at that time in the Highland League, Inverness Caledonian, having previously nearly signed for the other big club in the Highland League at that time, Elgin City.

Following his time at Inverness Caledonian, Slater then moved back into the Scottish League with Montrose, then followed an 8 year stint in the lower reaches of the English Football League with Southend United (where it was reported that Arsenal were interested in him), Leyton Orient, and Colchester United, and finally with Folkestone Town of the then Southern League. He later had spells at Inverness Caley and Ross County.

Malcolm Slater returned to live in Buckie in the mid 1970s and opened a small Sportswear shop. He later became a tax officer in Aberdeen.

He passed away in 2021 after a long life.

---

Quotes

As I was growing up as a teenager in Buckie in the late 1960s, Malcolm had already gained legendary status by swapping the green and white hoops of Buckie Thistle for the green and white hoops of Celtic.

Malcolm’s fame was extended further when playing for Leyton Orient v Swindon and the match featured as a backdrop to the movie, Robbery, starring Stanley Baker.

This Buckie “loon” will forever be in our hearts. xx

Drew Donaldson (Malcolm Slater – White Rose Funeral Notices)

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

none (barren years)

---

Career

Youth Career: Buckie Thistle (SCO)

Pictures

• Player Pics

Links

• Malcolm Slater – White Rose Funeral Notices

---

Malcolm Bruce Slater

SLATER Malcolm Bruce (Former Celtic Montrose, Orient and Southend FC) Peacefully passed away on 20th January 2021 aged 82. Funeral to be held on 16th February at 11:30. Please visit link below:- https:/whiterosefuneralnotices.co.uk/malcolm-slater/

The funeral service was held on Tuesday 16th February at St Mary with St Alban Church in Teddington, followed by a private cremation at Mortlake Crematorium. A memorial is planned for a later date at St Clement’s Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. Malcolm Slater – White Rose Funeral Notices