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Walter Borthwick

Walter Borthwick

Walter Borthwick’s playing days began in Edinburgh, where his talent quickly attracted attention. His first senior club, Greenock Morton, became the starting point for a career that would stretch over 20 years and leave a lasting mark on the clubs he played for, but it was at East Fife where he truly made his name.

 

PART ONE

Following short stints at Greenock Morton and Brighton & Hove Albion, Walter Borthwick arrived at East Fife in October 1967, still a teenager at just 19 years old. Under manager Jimmy Bonthrone, East Fife were in the midst of a youth-driven reconstruction, looking to bounce back to the Scottish First Division after a lengthy nine-year absence. Borthwick wasted no time in making an impact as his debut saw him score in a 3-1 win over Stranraer, setting the tone for his first season in Bayview. By the end of the campaign, he had netted eight goals, though the team fell short in their bid for promotion, finishing third just four points behind Arbroath. Nevertheless, the future was bright for both player and club, and the following season showed even more promise.

In the 1968-69 campaign, East Fife again finished third in the Scottish Second Division, with Borthwick now becoming an integral part of the team. Initially a forward, he was converted into a strong tackling inside forward by Bonthrone and would become a key component in the team’s style of play. Even though East Fife started and ended the season strongly, a midseason slump kept them from catching Motherwell and Ayr United, highlighting the fine margins that separated success from failure in the tightly contested division.

As the summer of 1969 unfolded, a significant shift occurred with the departure of Bonthrone to Aberdeen. Bill Baxter, who took over at Bayview, reshaped the squad, notably bringing in Scotland internationals John Martis and Pat Quinn. At first, results were disappointing, but under Baxter’s leadership, the team began to show signs of recovery, particularly in the Scottish Cup. A memorable cup run ensued, and Borthwick, now operating as a wing-half, was at the heart of it. After dispatching bitter rivals Raith Rovers and top-flight Morton, East Fife reached the Scottish Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1950. And despite a narrow 1-0 loss to Dundee at Bayview, Borthwick’s relentless work ethic earned him the club’s Player of the Year award.

 

PART TWO

The following season, East Fife’s promotion to the First Division was finally secured, with Borthwick playing an instrumental role. His versatility shone through, and he contributed four goals, including a memorable hat-trick in a thrilling 5-1 win over Stirling Albion. But life in Division One was not without its struggles, and the club found itself in a relegation battle. However, thanks to a crucial goal from Joe Hughes on the final day of the campaign, East Fife secured their place in the First Division, much to the relief of their supporters.

By 1973, Borthwick had firmly established himself as a stalwart for East Fife, having spent six seasons with the club. Yet, despite his heroics, the following season saw The Fifers relegated, marking the end of his time at Bayview after 228 appearances and 35 goals. A move to St Mirren followed, where Borthwick continued to display his quality, even playing under a certain Alex Ferguson. His career, however, was winding down, and a short stint at St Johnstone preceded a final return to Fife to join Dunfermline Athletic.  He retired from playing In 1981, but his love for the game remained undiminished and he transitioned into coaching, working with Hearts and the SFA in East Lothian, while also managing Arbroath during the 1991-92 season.

Borthwick’s footballing career may have seen him play for a number of clubs, but it was at East Fife that his legacy was truly etched into the club’s history. From youthful promise to an influential leader, his hard work, versatility, and commitment to the game remain a model for players today. And while many might remember the goals he scored or the hard tackles he made, it’s his tireless effort that defined his career.