In the summer of 1932, it might have been wise to take the ‘Love’ out of Love Street as harmony was in short supply in the north end of Paisley.
St Mirren was quite literally going to the dogs and at least one member of the Saints hierarchy wasn’t best pleased.
In fact, director Mr William Walker was so incensed that he tendered his resignation immediately – and quit the club he loved.
The problem arose when several members of the board accepted a proposal from a gentleman to run greyhounds at Greater Love Street, as it was known in the 1920s and 30s.
Once shareholders had given the idea the green light, Mr Walker resigned, insisting that under no circumstances could he associate himself with greyhounds.
The letter of resignation was addressed to St Mirren manager John Morrison, and read: “I beg to tender my resignation as a director of the club. It will be remembered that shortly before my last term expired in 1931, I made it known that I wished to retire soon due to business and other commitments.
“I wish now to go, and two considerations have naturally weighed with me in this matter – the playing strength of the team and financial position of the club.
“As regards the former, one feels justified in saying that the team has been rebuilt on fairly satisfactory lines, and that the prospects from a playing point of view are not unhopeful.
“As for the latter, the shareholders have by a free and unfettered vote, indicated clearly the manner in which they wished the revenue of the club to be augmented.
“Their wishes have now been given effect, and the club’s premises are to be let for greyhound racing and, as a result, I have no option but to resign from the directorate now.
“Having been in the game of association football in some way or other practically all my life, I need hardly say that this severance of my official connection with the sport gives me many regrets, but it was bound to come sooner or later.
“My decision does not of course affect my loyalty to the club. I have been in ‘office’ for 10 years and such a close connection with St Mirren will always remain.”
The following day, Mr Walker confirmed: “My resignation from the board of directors was due to the introduction of greyhound racing to Love Street. I have no axe to grind with anyone but I simply couldn’t carry on in the circumstances.
“Any responsibility there is for the current financial predicament the club finds itself in ultimately rests with the many thousands of Paisley football followers who have not supported the club when it was carrying such heavy financial burdens.”
Suddenly, there were rumours that a second director was set to resign over ‘greyhound-gate’ – and clubs such as Falkirk and East Stirling suddenly showed an interest in getting the ‘dogs in’.
It was said that football wasn’t paying its way, and that £2,000 a year could be made from the greyhounds. St Mirren wasted no time in getting the dogs up and running!
But the SFA were quick with a new set of rules which prevented clubs running greyhounds on the same night as a rival football team was playing in their district.
