George Aitken (footballer, born 1925)

George Graham Aitken (28 May 1925 – 22 January 2003) was a Scottish international footballer, who played for clubs including East Fife and Sunderland. Aitken was part of the East Fife's famous half back line of Philp, Finlay and Aitken.[2]

For others similarly named, see the George Aitken navigation page

George Aitken

Personal information
Full name	George Graham Aitken[1]
Date of birth	28 May 1925
Place of birth	Lochgelly, Scotland
Date of death	22 January 2003 (aged 77)
Place of death	Sunderland, England
Position(s)	Wing half
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1946–1950	East Fife	93	(5)
1950–1951	Third Lanark	20	(1)
1951–1958	Sunderland	245	(3)
1958–1960	Gateshead	58	(0)
Total		416	(9)
National team
1949–1954	Scotland	8	(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

He became the club's most capped Scotland player of all time, picking up five caps in 1949 and 1950. He always played for winning Scotland sides while with the Fifers.[3] Aitken was among the players to have played for the club in their successful post war era when they enjoyed creditable league and cup success.[4] Aitken won a further three caps after his transfer to Sunderland.[3]

Following his retirement as a player, Aitken spent six years as a coach at Watford.[5]

References

1. "George Aitken". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 11 May 2017.
2. Jimmy Philp
3. List of East Fife Players Capped for Scotland
4. League History – East Fife FC – C'MON THE FIFE
5. Oliver Phillips (1991). The Official Centenary History of Watford Football Club. Watford Football Club. ISBN 0-9509601-6-0.

External links

• George Aitken at the Scottish Football Association
• George Aitken at Post War English & Scottish Football League A–Z Player's Database