Bob McColl

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

McColl's journey began at junior club Benmore in 1892, moving to Queen's Park in 1894. His career took a professional turn when he joined Newcastle United, staying on Tyneside for three years before returning to Glasgow in 1904 to play for Rangers. This period was followed by a significant administrative hurdle; upon his return to Queen's Park in 1907, the club's board had to decide on restoring his amateur status. His international career with Scotland was equally remarkable: he played 13 games and scored exactly 13 goals. He achieved the rare feat of scoring a hat-trick against each of the other home nations, a distinction no other player holds. Inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in November 2011, his legacy extends beyond the pitch to the business world.

In Their Own Story

The defining moment of McColl's playing career occurred in 1912 during his penultimate game against Port Glasgow Athletic. In that match, he scored six goals, setting a Scottish scoring record that stands to the present day. His service extended into World War I, where he served as a sergeant in the Royal Army Service Corps. Off the field, his name became synonymous with commerce; in 1901, he founded the newsagent chain RS McColl alongside his brother Tom. This venture earned him the affectionate nickname 'Toffee Bob.' His life concluded on 25 November 1959 at the age of 83, and he is buried in Cathcart Cemetery in southern Glasgow.

Reader's Guide

For historians tracking McColl's timeline, note his start at Benmore (1892), Queen's Park (1894), Newcastle United (three years on Tyneside), Rangers (from 1904), and the return to Queen's Park in 1907. His international tally is precise: 13 caps, 13 goals. Honours include the Sheriff of London Charity Shield (shared, 1899) and Glasgow Cup (1898–99) with Queen's Park, plus shared Home Championships with Scotland in 1896, 1897, 1900, 1902, and 1908. His unique hat-trick record against all other home nations remains a key statistical footnote for any study of Scottish football history.

Did You Know?

• He is the only player to have scored a hat-trick against each of the other home nations.
• His six-goal performance against Port Glasgow Athletic in his penultimate game remains a Scottish scoring record.
• He founded the RS McColl newsagent chain with his brother Tom in 1901, earning the nickname 'Toffee Bob'.
• He served as a sergeant in the Royal Army Service Corps during the First World War.
• Restoring his amateur status was required before he could return to Queen's Park in 1907.