Motherwell: Champions of Scotland 1931-32

Who can break the Old Firm monopoly? That was Scottish footballs recurring cry throughout the 1920s. For over a quarter of a century, since 1904, either Celtic or Rangers had lifted the Scottish League Championship. By 1931, Rangers were determined to win their sixth title in a row, and so equal Celtic, who had established the record before the First World War. MMotherwell, a provincial club which had narrowly escaped relegation in 1925, would be the unlikely spoilers. Manager John Sailor Hunters years of patient team-building bore fruit when his side finished in Scotlands top three for eight glorious seasons. With a blend of promising juniors and a sprinkling of experienced First Division men, Hunter built a star-studded line-up. The Motherwell board rejected offers of English gold in order to retain the clubs prize assets. Not even a blank cheque could capture Motherwells sensational left-wing partnership of George Stevenson and Bob Ferrier. Hunter also transformed utility man Willie McFadyen into a record-breaking centre-forward whose goals would shoot Motherwell to the top of the League. In the dark days of the Depression, when unemployment and real poverty dogged industrial Lanarkshire, Motherwell brought excitement, colour and a sweet savour of success into the daily lives of many. Following Motherwells triumph, it would be another sixteen long years before anyone else broke that Old Firm stranglehold. Poignant, funny, profound Motherwells achievement is a classic tale of a triumph against the odds. Motherwell were Champions of Scotland.

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