CARSON, Joe 1984-87 – Partick Thistle History

CARSON, Joseph
born 24.11.1953, Helensburgh
Defender 6' 0'' Ft, 12.5 St

Joe was a towering centre half he was easily recognizable with his huge moustache and his lazy physique. In 1971 he signed for Dundee from School's football but he failed to make the grade at Dens. He signed for Arbroath in August 1972 but spent the first season at Gayfield on loan to hometown Vale of Leven in the Central league. He quickly established himself in the first team in 1973-74 and would go on to make 179 appearances in the 1st Division chipping in with 10 goals. Joe signed for Motherwell in 1979 and he went to the Fir Park along with Albert Kidd for a joint fee of £100,000 from Arbroath. Season 1981-82 he helped 'Well win the 1st Division and promotion to the Premier League. He moved in 1984 to Dumbarton but after a short spell he signed for Thistle (on freedom of contract) where he would become a cult figure in 3 seasons at Frihill scoring on his debut vs. Shrewsbury Town. Joe received many player of the year awards from supporters at Thistle on leaving he signed for 2nd Division Stranraer before ending his career back at Dumbarton. He had spells in the juniors with Vale of Leven and Pollok.

He made 435 league appearances (101 at Thistle), scoring 27 times (9 at Thistle).

c. 1971 Signs for Dundee
5th August 1972 Signs for Arbroath from Dundee
22nd December 1979 Signs for Motherwell from Arborath for £100,000 (with Albert Kidd)
1981-82 1st Division Winner (Motherwell)
7th April 1984 Signs for Dumbarton from Motherwell
1st August 1984 Signs for Partick Thistle under freedom of contract from Dumbarton
1st August 1984 Partick Thistle Debut (& 1st Goal) v Shrewsbury Town (H) 1-0, Friendly
2nd May 1987 Partick Thistle Last Game (& Last Goal) v Brechin City (A) 1-1, 1st Division
22nd March 1988 Last League Appearance (Dumbarton) v Partick Thistle (H) 1-2, 1st Division

His brother Tom was a goalkeeper who also played at Thistle as well as Dumbarton, Dundee and Raith Rovers.