Don Masson
The creative midfielder who captained Scotland to a historic title win.
Donald Sanderson Masson (born 26 August 1946) is a Scottish former footballer and midfielder whose career began at Middlesbrough in 1964. After six years there, he moved to Queens Park Rangers in December 1974 for £100,000, where he became the final piece in an attacking team that narrowly missed the League title in 1975/76 by a single point behind Liverpool. He later transferred to Derby County in October 1977 for Leighton James before returning to Notts County. Masson earned 17 caps for Scotland, winning the British Home International Championship in 1976 and playing in the 1978 World Cup. He eventually served as player-manager of Kettering Town before retiring.
- Role
- Central Midfielder
- Affiliation
- Rangers FC
- Era
- 1976–1982
- Status
- Club Legend / Hall of Fame Inductee
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Masson's journey took him from Middlesbrough, where he started in 1964, to a significant move signed by Billy Gray at Notts County in 1968 for £7000 alongside Bob Worthington. However, his most celebrated club spell occurred at Queens Park Rangers after his £100,000 transfer in December 1974. Making his debut on 14 December 1974 in a 1–0 home win versus Sheffield United, he quickly established himself as a stylish and creative midfielder under manager Dave Sexton. The 1975/76 season saw QPR come agonizingly close to the League title, pipped by just one point by Liverpool. Masson's influence was so profound that after his subsequent spell at Derby County (exchanged for Leighton James in October 1977) and return to Notts County, he was voted the best player of all time by Notts County supporters. A lounge at Meadow Lane now bears his name.
In Their Own Story
In 1976, Masson delivered a defining moment on the international stage, scoring five goals for Scotland. His most famous strike came in a 2–1 victory over England, where he netted Scotland's first goal to clinch their first British Home International Championship since 1967. This triumph was part of his 17-cap career that culminated in the 1978 World Cup. Although he missed a penalty kick during a 3–1 defeat against Peru at the tournament, his contributions remained central to Scotland's golden era. Following his playing days, which included time in the United States and a stint as player-manager at Kettering Town, Masson transitioned into the hotel business with his wife.
Reader's Guide
His peak performance period coincided with QPR's near-title win in 1976 and Scotland's championship victory that same year. For fans, his legacy is cemented by the 'Don Masson Lounge' at Meadow Lane and his recognition as Notts County's greatest ever player. Post-retirement life saw him manage Kettering Town and later run The Grange guest house in Elton on the Hill with his wife after selling The Gallery at Trent Bridge.
Did You Know?
- Masson was voted Notts County's best player of all time by supporters, and a lounge at Meadow Lane is named in his honour.
- He scored Scotland's first goal in the 2–1 victory over England in 1976, securing their British Home International Championship title.
- Masson missed a penalty kick during Scotland's 3–1 defeat against Peru in the 1978 World Cup.
- After retiring from football, he bought and later sold The Gallery at Trent Bridge before running The Grange guest house with his wife.
- He joined Queens Park Rangers in December 1974 for £100,000 and made his debut just days later against Sheffield United.
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