Andy Aitken

Who was Andy Aitken?

Andy "Daddler" Aitken was one of the early game's most prominent players.

After playing for local Ayrshire sides, he signed for Second Division Newcastle United in 1895, then in only their third football league season. He helped the club to promotion in 1898 and was a key member of the side as they established themselves in the First Division, captaining the side from 1899–1905.

During his time at the club, he helped them win their first League Championship in 1905 as well as appearing in two FA Cup Finals, both losses in 1905 and 1906.

He left Newcastle United in November 1906 becoming player/manager at Middlesbrough, a role he also held at Leicester City from 1909 until 1911.

He returned to Scotland to finish his playing career with Dundee and Kilmarnock, his career ending in January 1913 with a serious groin injury.

He was quickly appointed manager of Gateshead for a while before becoming a publican on Tyneside, where he resided until his death in 1955.