Tributes to Dalbeattie man who represented New Zealand at 1982 World Cup

Sam Malcolmson was born in Dumfries and emigrated in 1974 before playing for New Zealand against Scotland at the World Cup in Spain in 1982

Tributes have been paid to a Dalbeattie man who went on to represent New Zealand in the World Cup finals.

Sam Malcolmson was born in Dumfries and played for Queen of the South before emigrating in 1974, going on to represent his adopted land against his home country in the World Cup in Spain in 1982.

That was the first time New Zealand had made the finals and such was the importance of that achievement that Sam’s passing on September 18 will be recognised at the All Whites’ games in Auckland next month.

A statement on the New Zealand Football website described Sam as a “legend” and added: “Malcolmson made significant contributions to the game in New Zealand over five decades, both on and off the pitch.

“A member of the historic 1982 FIFA World Cup squad, Malcolmson earned 15 All Whites caps in A internationals, scoring twice, and appeared 32 times in total for the national team.

“Off the pitch, Malcolmson showcased his love for the game as a coach, commentator, volunteer and administrator for both clubs and the national body.

“He also held several leadership positions with major sporting brands in New Zealand, including Adidas and New Balance.”

Sam was born at the old Cresswell in Dumfries in 1947 and, after growing up in Dalbeattie, joined the Royal Navy where he turned out for Cornish side RNAS Culdrose FC.

They held a minute’s silence ahead of their game with St Just FC at the weekend and described him as “a wonderful man”.

He also played for Falmouth Town and had a brief spell at Airdrie after he left the Navy, then going on to play for Queen of the South – who offered sympathies following his passing.

After a brief stint at Albion Rovers, he emigrated to New Zealand in 1974 and had a successful career in his new surroundings.

That included 15 caps for the international side, including one appearance at the 1982 World Cup in Spain – ironically against Scotland, who won 5-2.

That was to be the last of his caps but after his retirement he remained involved in the sport through coaching, media work and as an administrator, working for giant companies including Umbro.

And during a trip home in 2015, he did some coaching at Dalbeattie Star.

Sam passed away in Auckland on September 18 at the age of 77.

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