John Cushley: January 1943 - March 2008

Dunfermline Athletic are saddened to learn of the passing away in the early hours of Monday, March 24, 2008 of former player John Cushley.

Dunfermline Athletic are saddened to learn of the passing away in the early hours of Monday, March 24, 2008 of former player John Cushley, aged 65. John joined the Pars from West Ham.  Between 1970-71 and 71-72 his appearance tally was 49 League, six League Cup, three Scottish Cup and one Anglo-Scottish Cup.

John Cushley is very fondly remembered as a member of the Dunfermline Quizball team that defeated Leicester City in the 1971-72 Final.  His team mates were Manager Alex Wright, John Fraser and guest supporters Jimmy Logan and Jon Pertwee.

Born in Hamilton, 'Cush' joined Celtic from Blantyre Celtic, aged 17, in July 1960. During his time at Parkhead he was mainly a stand-in at centre half for Billy McNeill. He made his League debut against Kilmarnock in March 1963 and between then and 1966-67 made 30 league appearances. He played five times in the League Cup, one of which was the 1964-65 Final when he was on the losing side, once in the Scottish Cup and five times in Europe (three Fairs Cup, two European Cup Winners Cup).  He joined West Ham United during the close season in 1967.

A Modern Languages graduate of the University of Glasgow, John famously acted as interpreter in 1964 when he and Jimmy McGrory travelled to Spain to try and persuade Alfredo Di Stefano to sign for Celtic.

When Dunfermline were relegated in 1972 he joined newly-promoted Dumbarton and made 85 League appearances, 18 LC, 7 SC and one Drybrough Cup between 1972-73 and 1975-76. Apart from two league and one League Cup in 1975-76 all his games in Scotland were at the top level.

In total he made 164 League (including twice as a sub), 29 LC, 11 SC, 5 UEFA and 2 others for a total of 211 appearances in Scottish football.

After retiring from football, he forged a new career in education, including a spell at St Bride's in East Kilbride.  John retired as deputy head teacher at St Ambrose, Coatbridge, in 2003. At the school he spotted the talent of one pupil, right-back Mark Wilson, now a first team player at Celtic Park after John helped recruit him to the club.

He retired last summer through ill health after having being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

The thoughts of everyone at Dunfermline Athletic Football Club are with John's wife, Mary, his family and friends at this very sad time.