| Ian Harper |
 Ian H. Harper was probably born in Scotland, circa 1927. * The forward signed for Davie Meiklejohn's Thistle on Thursday, 17th June, 1948, having most recently been with Pollok. He made his debut appearance on Saturday, 25th December, 1948, in a 1-0 win at home to Morton in the SFL First Division. There were no goals for Ian during his spell with Thistle. He played his last game for the club on Saturday, 8th January, 1949, in a 3-2 win away to Albion Rovers in the SFL First Division, having appeared as a Jag on 4 occasions. Ian's club-list included Pollok, Partick Thistle, Ayr United, Stirling Albion and Rothes.
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 One year into his managerial stint, Davie Meiklejohn gave Pollok's inside left his first senior break. Ian had not long turned into his 20s and he was given a run out on 4 occasions - all in the league - during his first senior season. Although he remained a Jag for just over 2 years, these proved to be his only appearances at first-team level with Thistle, but at least he could boast that he remained unbeaten with 3 wins (Morton, Cyde, Albion Rovers) and a draw (Queen of the South). He moved on to Ayr United in September 1950 where he fared a little better, netting 8 times in just over 30 competitve appearances over a 2 season stint. Having been freed from Somerset Park in April '52, Ian moved on to Stirling Albion for season 1952-53, but a troublesome knee injury limited his appearances at Annfield Park, although he did at least feature once for the Binos in the league cup and they would run all the way to the Quarter Finals. In the springtime of 1953 he decided to quit the game. However, several months later, the 26-year-old Ian changed his mind and landed in the Highlands with Rothes, where he made his comeback in an ignominius 1-3 defeat at home to Deveronvale in the Scottish Qualifying Cup on 12th September 1953. |
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