BELL, Alexander Stuart
born. 13.03.1931, Auchinleck, Ayrshire
A 6’’ ft Goalkeeper who was reserve to Tommy Ledgerwood at Firhill. He had arrived from Glenafton Athletic in December 1950, making his 1st XI debut the following season against Stirling Albion in the league cup. In season 1952-53 Ledgerwood had been left out the team following a 5-1 defeat to Clyde at Shawfield, giving Bell his chance. He kept a clean sheet in a single goal victory at Queen of the South in the league, the following week he picked a Glasgow Cup Winners medal in a 3-1 victory over Rangers at Hampden in front of over 16,000 fans. He continued to vie for the gloves with Ledgerwood but he could not dislodge the Scottish League international despite helping the Firhill 2nd XI finish 2nd in the reserve league with the best defensive record in the league. He was released by manager Davie Meiklejohn in April 1954. After an unsuccessful private trial with Ayr United in July, he made the move to the English Division 3 South and signed for Exeter City. In four seasons with the Grecians he made 40 league appearances. He signed for English division two side Grimsby Town in May 1958 the following year and after only 8 league appearances he retired from football when he sustained a serious back injury resulting in his football career being ended at 27 years of age.
While at Partick Thistle he played alongside his Brother in Law Andy Kerr. His son also Alex was a striker with Glenafton Athletic in the late 1970’s.