RIP Willie Whigham

Very sad news indeed. Willie was a legend. I was very lucky to look after both his brother in law and him and escort them to the MSS party, mentioned above. They were such lovely guys and Willie was absolutely made up with the reception he received at the party. All the attention from fans really bowled him over.
He deserved it all. Top bloke. Top player.
RIP
 
Like many on here, he was my first 'goalie', I believed he could save anything. I'm sure I recall that it used to have the odd fag during a match or am I imagining this? RIP
 

www.mfc.co.uk

Rest In Peace Willie Whigham | Middlesbrough FC

The club was saddened to learn of the passing of former goalkeeper Willie Whigham at the age of 81.
www.mfc.co.uk www.mfc.co.uk

Rest In Peace Willie Whigham
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The club was saddened to learn of the passing of former goalkeeper Willie Whigham at the age of 81.

Born in Airdrie, Scotland, in 1939, Whigham qualified as a motor mechanic before becoming a footballer with nearby Falkirk.

He made more than 150 appearances for The Bairns, and was then signed for Boro by Stan Anderson in 1966. Such had been the impression he made back home that five coachloads of Falkirk fans travelled to watch his Boro debut.

A colourful character; brave, vocal and a very capable keeper, 'The Whig' as he would come to be known proved a popular figure at Ayresome Park.

He made a total of 187 appearances between the sticks in six seasons on Teesside, before the goalkeeping reins were handed over to a young Jim Platt.

Whigham later played for Dumbarton and Darlington, but following his retirement was often seen following the Boro from the terraces at grounds around the country.

Our condolences go out to Willie's family and friends.
 
red_clowne said:
My lasting memory is of him letting the ball go between his legs and into our net at Roker Park (1968 or 1969 perhaps), I think it might have been a back pass as well.
One of my heroes but that memory still haunts me.
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Remember that well.
Sad news. RIP Willie.
 
Remember him getting a fag off a fan behind goal at Carlisle away.
This was during the game when ball was at the other end.
Later in same game having an argument with a Carlisle fan behind same goal, it definitely affected him because a short time later he let a rare soft goal in.
A character but also a very good goalie
Like many on here my first Boro keeper.
RIP Big Man
 
I saw Willie a few times standing at away games in our end. Barnsley and Shrewsbury (I think - that dark day for the club).
At one game he was picked up by the travelling Boro army and thrown up and down in the air.
He loved it.
Great man - lots of happy memories for me.
 
I drove my Mam mad as a kid singing the Willie Whigham song. He was as mad as a fish with his antics, but a cracking keeper for the era. RIP Sir.
 
Underrated keeper.
Once played him at darts on Hall Drive. Boro Sports Club I think it was.

RIP Willie.
 
This news has really impacted on me and I type this with a lump in my throat.

I think the last time I saw Willie was at Highbury giving out Newboulds pies - seem to think Rob was with him and could have been round the time of the MSS Christmas party.

Willie had time for all the fans was posing for pictures and I was able to introduced him to my lads who couldn't believe the shape of his hands due to arthritis.

I always remember him playing in the Ellis Cup at South Bank and my uncle scored a penalty against him.

RIP Willie, you will be sadly missed and it is a pity the fans could't sing your name one last time on the terraces to give you the send off you deserve.

Thanks for the memories Willie.
 
Made his debut on the 8th October 1966 in a 2-0 away defeat at Watford, his home debut 7 days later seen the mighty Boro win 4-0 with a John O'Rourke hattrick & a Jimmy Irvine strike, with his final appearance at Sunderland in a 4-1 defeat

I went to a couple of games the back end of 71, can't remember which games TBH, but recall Willie been in goal
 
Nice Jonny, but I don't think Andrew Lloyd Webber has too much to fear from you.
I have a feeling that a Willie W would probably be an ideal fit in Boro's goal at the moment.
 
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