George Galloway (born 16 August 1954) is a British politician, author, and broadcaster who was a Member of Parliament (MP) from 1987 to 2010. He was formerly an MP for the Labour Party, first for Glasgow Hillhead, and later for Glasgow Kelvin, before his expulsion from the party in October 2003, the same year that he came to public attention for his opposition to the American and British invasion of Iraq. He subsequently became a founding member of the left wing Respect Party, and through them represented Bethnal Green and Bow in the 2005 parliament. Galloway is also well known for his appearance on Celebrity Big Brother.
1. Which clubs did you play for in your youth career?
I played for Charleston Primary School and Harris Academy in schools football. As an amateur I played for West End United at under 12 level, Lochee Boys Club at under 16 level and St Columbus at under 18 level.
2. Who were the best players you played with and against during your youth career?
The best players I played against were Derek Johnstone who scored ten goals against us in a schools football game and Jim Leishman then of Buckhaven High School.
The best players I played with were Derek Addison later of Dundee United. Then at my school George Fyffe, a Bobby Murdoch type inside man, again in schools football Alex Brash a great captain who later played for Forfar I think, and Kenny Payne who played for Arbroath but briefly co incided with me at St Columbus.
And a guy called Dave Brogan a real cool cat, who played with me at St Columbus and then for Cowdenbeath.
3. Who were your role models as a young player?
My role model was Dennis Law.
4. Who was your favourite coach at youth level?
Favourite coach was Jack Knight from Harris Academy.
5. If you had one piece of advice to today’s generation of youth football players, what would it be?
My advice would be to play the game, wherever and whenever. Don't wait for organised games, play in your house with a rolled up sock, play in your back green with a tennis ball, play anywhere and don't stop until it's dark. That's the Scotland that produced Kenny Dalglish et al.