AN APPEAL has been launched by Dunfermline Athletic to trace relatives of a former manager they believe helped keep the club alive during the Second World War.

The Dunfermline Athletic Heritage Trust will erect a plaque in East End Park’s memorial garden later this month in honour of five people who have died, since 1945, whilst in the employment of the Pars.

Created with the assistance of Co-op Funeralcare, the plaque will contain the names of players John Lunn, Ian Hall, Gary Riddell and Norrie McCathie as well as Sandy Archibald, who passed away suddenly in November 1946 after becoming the club’s manager seven years previously.

It will be unveiled before the home game with Dumbarton on November 25 and the trust hope to have representatives from all families present. But they are seeking any information on descendants of Sandy, who was born in Aberdour and latterly resided in Crossgates.

He played 580 times for Rangers, scoring 148 goals, and won eight Scotland caps but Donald Adamson, vice-chair of the trust, said: “The outbreak of war in September 1939 had seen the Scottish leagues cease, which prompted the resignation of then manager, Peter Wilson.

“He was replaced in October 1939 by Sandy Archibald who was to manage, maintain and cherish Dunfermline Athletic throughout the war years. In this period, the club played many friendlies, often with guest players, and participated in ad-hoc wartime leagues.

“The ground was frequently used for military purposes and there was a real danger of Dunfermline Athletic ceasing to exist. It was largely due to Sandy Archibald, and his passion, drive and judgement, that when the war came to an end, Dunfermline were ready to resume their place in the Scottish League system.

“In 1945, the Army formally gave up their occupation of the ground, after paying compensation for damage caused to it, and Sandy resumed his full-time post as manager.

“He took Dunfermline through the first post-war season of 1945-46, before dying in 1946, aged only 50.”

It is believed that Sandy had a son, born in the 1920s, but the club do not have any further information.

If anybody has information on the Archibald family, they are invited to email chairman Ross McArthur at enquiries@dafc.co.uk, or by calling the club on 01383 724295.