Archibald Leitch The Architect of Football

 

The name of Archibald Leitch might not be well known to many fans. but if ever a man who was not a footballer deserves his name on the Ibrox hall of fame its him. Born in Glasgow in 1865, Archibald Leitch became football clubs architect of choice. His Stands and terraces could be found at every major ground in the country. Millions of fans stood on and loved the terraces that he created. Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Fulham and many more all had Archie to thank for it was him that designed andconstructed there footballing homes. But there is one place where Archibald Leitch's work is most fondly remembered and chereshed . For that is where his finest work still stands today, that place is where The Rangers call home Ibrox.

 

Archibald Leitch was born on April 27th 1865. In Comleypark Street Camlachie, Glasgow. The area was a heavy industrial site. At this time Glasgow had earned the title of Second city of the empire. His father a blcksmith would have had little problem finding work. Factories of every discription churned out goods that would be loaded onto ships and transported all over the world. It is worth remembering that the total tonnage of the British merchant fleet at this time was greater than the rest of the world purt together. For a bright boy oppotunities were there to be had. And Archie was bright he won a place at Grammer School. From there he attended Andersons College where he studied science. When Archie was still at Grammer school he would have had to walk past or through Glasgow Green every day. He may of even saw some young youths playing football there?

 

In Archie was being employed by Ducan Stewart and company as a Drathsman. In 1887 he went to sea as a marine engineer he returned in 1899 he was given his old job back But within a few months he was head of the ordering department of Mirlees Watson and company. Incidently the company was situated in Kinning Park where the young youths from glasgow green were now taking things a bit more serious. In 1896 Archibald Leitxh decided the time was right to enter bussiness for himself. His headed note paper displayed Archibald Leitch Factory Architect and Consulting Engineer. He desiigned factories had contracts with local authoritis and seemed to be doing quiet well for himself. In March 1899 Archie recieved the call from The Ranges