JIMMY COWAN, PAISLEY GOALKEEPER

One of the most celebrated figures in Scottish soccer history, Jimmy Cowan, was born in Paisley in 1926. He spent his childhood in a charming home known as Caverbark Cottage, located on Oakshaw Street, which still stands today. As a young boy, Jimmy attended the John Neilson Institution just across the street. In the early 1930s, he could often be seen energetically kicking, bouncing, and catching a “tanner ba” (a small ball that cost sixpence) against the tall garden walls that lined Oakshaw on his way to school. It was clear to everyone that this young lad was truly passionate about football. It came as no surprise when he became the goalkeeper for the school’s soccer team. At just fourteen, Jimmy took on the role of goalkeeper for the Renfrewshire Boys Scouts in a match against the Renfrewshire Boys Brigade, held on Love Street. One of his teammates, 17-year-old Robert Millar, later reminisced about the game, noting, “Unfortunately, the Scouts' age limit was seventeen and under, while the Boys Brigade team was closer to twenty-one, which made the match slightly unfair!” The Scouts faced a tough defeat, losing 6-0. After the game, the young players were treated to tea by St Mirren FC. Despite being quite small at the time and barely able to reach the crossbar, Jimmy delivered an outstanding performance in goal, earning praise from the St Mirren president. The president even likened some of Cowan's saves to those of the legendary Jerry Dawson, goalkeeper for Rangers and Scotland. A St Mirren director inquired about the young goalkeeper, and when Cowan raised his hand, he was congratulated for his impressive skills. In a light-hearted manner typical of Paisley, the warden added, “I hope this praise doesn't make your head swell.” Young Jimmy was then asked to leave his name and address with St Mirren. By the time he turned fifteen, he was playing for his school team on Saturday mornings.