Scottish football has seen its fair share of unsung heroes, players who may not have made headlines every week but were instrumental to their teams’ success. One such figure is Andy Kinnell, a hard-working and versatile midfielder who carved out a sterling career, particularly with Cowdenbeath and St Johnstone.

PART ONE

Born on the 14th February, 1947, in Cowdenbeath, Scotland, Andry Kinnell was immersed in football from a young age. Growing up in a football-loving family, he was the younger brother of George Kinnell, who went on to play for several clubs, including Aberdeen, Stoke City, Sunderland, and Vancouver Royal Canadians.

Kinnell began with Cowdenbeath Royals, a local team that acted as a breeding ground for promising young talent. His performances at youth level soon attracted the attention of Cowdenbeath FC, and in 1964 he was signed by The Blue Brazil. It was the start of a long and fruitful association with the club.

Kinnell made his debut for Cowdenbeath as a teenager, quickly establishing himself as a key player. Initially deployed as a wing-half, he soon transitioned into a centre-half role where his impeccable timing, aerial ability, and composure on the ball made him a defensive stalwart. His presence in the Cowden team brought a sense of stability, and his ability to read the game allowed him to thwart opposition attacks with ease.

One of Kinnell’s most notable qualities was his ability to remain unflustered under pressure. Whether he was commanding the backline or stepping into midfield, his intelligence and tenacity made him a valuable asset. He was named Cowdenbeath’s Player of the Year in 1968, a testament to his superb consistency.

PART TWO

The 1969–70 campaign was one of the highlights of Andy Kinnell’s time at Central Park. Under his leadership, Cowdenbeath finished second in the Scottish League Second Division, earning promotion to the top-flight. It was a historic moment for the club, and Kinnell played a crucial role in ensuring their success.

During their spell in Division One, he was at the heart of the team’s defense, guiding them through a challenging campaign. One of the standout moments of his career came in the League Cup Semi-Final against Rangers, a match that demonstrated Cowdenbeath’s ability to compete with Scotland’s elite clubs.

After 230 League appearances for Cowden, Kinnell fulfilled a personal ambition by moving to full-time football in 1972. St Johnstone, then managed by Willie Ormond, secured his services for a fee of £8,000. It was a significant step up, and he embraced the challenge with his usual calmness and professionalism.

At St Johnstone, the experienced performer continued to display the qualities which had made him such a dependable figure at Cowdenbeath. His leadership skills were quickly recognized, and he was quickly entrusted with the captain’s armband. As the Perth club competed in the newly formed Scottish Premier Division, Kinnell’s experience and composure were invaluable. Over four seasons at Muirton Park, he amassed over 94 first-team outings for The Saints, further cementing his reputation as a reliable and intelligent player.

In 1976, at the relatively young age of 30, Andy Kinnell decided to hang up his boots. While his playing career ended earlier than many of his contemporaries, his contributions to both Cowdenbeath and St Johnstone were widely acknowledged. Kinnell’s impact at Cowdenbeath, in particular, has been recognized with his induction into the club’s Hall of Fame—a fitting tribute to a player who gave so much to The Blue Brazil.