In an era before TV companies controlled kick-off times, games on a Sunday were extremely unusual. To add to the unique nature of this meeting, Motherwell had played Ayr United the previous day, Saturday 10 October 1981. A double souvenir programme was published - on sale for 30p.
The pulling power of George Best, well beyond his prime at the age of 35, was enormous even though Scottish crowds had the chance to see him play for Hibs a few years earlier. His lack of pace restricted him to midfield where is control still showed flashes of earlier genius. He swapped shirts at half time and completed the game in claret and amber For the record the game was won 5-2 with goals from Carson, Clinging, Conn, McKeever and Gahagan.
The 1981/2 season ended with Motherwell securing the First Division championship with a 10 point margin. We were a free scoring outfit under the charge of Davie Hay. The week after the visit from the NASL side we beat Clydebank 7-1. Happy days!
The Championship winning squad from 1981/2
Back row: Clelland, McLean, Carson, Sproat, Mills, Samerof, McLaughlin
Middle row: Wark, McKay, Conn, McLeod, Irvine, Forbes, McLair, Williams
Front row: McClelland, Gahagan, Clinging, Souter, Rafferty McKeever, Healey
Update/Correction
Motherwell had further involvement with George Best the following year. he was a guest player for us in a friendly against Leeds United in August 1982. The Wednesday night game attracted just over 5,000 fans to see the visitors win 4-0. We were outclassed and even the occasional 20 yard pass from Best made no difference to the outcome. Our starting eleven for this game was:
Sproat, McLeod, Forsyth, McLeland, Carson, Best, Gahagn, McLair, Irvine, Conn and O'Hara.