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27 May 2025
 
 

Colin Veitch

Newcastle United FC

6 appearances, 0 goals

P 6 W 3 D 2 L 1 F 11: A 4
67% successful

1905-09

captain: none
minutes played:
540

Timeline

  Lieutenant Colin Campbell McKechnie Veitch
Birth Sunday, 22 May 1881 at 130 Byker Bank, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland
registered in Newcastle upon Tyne July-September 1881
Education Rutherford College Secondary School for Boys, Newcastle upon Tyne.

 

According to the 1881 census, Sarah Ann (née Kidd) is pregnant with the child who will become Colin. His father is James and a relieving officer. Already, they have three sons and they live at 130 Byker Bank in Byker.

 

According to the 1891 census, Colin is the youngest of four sons to his parents living at 130 Byker Bank in Byker area of Newcastle upon Tyne. His father is a relieving officer.

 

According to the 1901 census, Colin is the youngest of three still at home at 130 Byker Bank with their parents. His father is still a relieving officer. Colin is a student.

First marriage to Minnie Gertrude Paulson, in Alston, summer 1905
  registered in Alston July-September 1905
"A NEWCASTLE FOOTBALLER

 AND THE WALSEND RELIEF FUND.
"Mr. Colin Veitch, Newcastle United's centre half, gave a successful concert at the Co-operative Hall, Wallsend, on Saturday night, the proceeds being in aid of the local relief fund. There was a crowded attendance presided over by Mr. Lawrence, the Newcastle United custodian. The first part of the program consisted of a musical burlesque entitled 'The tale of a tenor,' written and composed by Mr. Norman K. Veitch...Mrs. Colin Veitch as Lola made a good impression, her fine voice being thoroly appreciated. [She] sang a solo in splendid voice...The accompaniments were ably played by Mr. Colin Veitch. The program from beginning to end was an interesting one, which was thoroly enjoyed, and as a result of the effort the relief fund will benefit considerably."
- The Jarrow Guardian and Tyneside Reporter, Friday, 22 January 1909
"CONCERT AT SEATON BURN





 Mr. and Mrs. Colin Veitch and a party consisting of Edith Paulsen, Sam Burke, Mormon Crawford, Percy Beck, G. K. Veitch, E. T. Heenan, and Michael Welsh gave a grand concert in the Co-operative Hall, Seaton Burn, on Tuesday night. Dr. Allen Walker, Seaton Burn, in his usual jocular manner, made a capital chairman. The attendance was a large one, the hall being filled to its utmost capacity. The reception of the artistes was marked with enthusiasm, encores being called for. Mrs. Colin Veitch was well received in her rendering of 'Caller Herrin,' whilst Mr. M. Welsh, who impersonated the football spectator, was also a popular turn. The proceeds were in aid of the Hearse Fund of the Oddfellow Friendly Society, Seaton Burn." - The Morpeth Herald, Saturday, 20 March 1909

Newcastle upon Tyne Electoral Registers state Colin and Minnie living at 1 Stratford Villas since at least 1907.
His father died in Alston, 1 September 1910.
According to the 1911 census, Colin is a professional footballer, married to Minnie G., living at 1 Stratford Villas in the Heaton Park area of Newcastle upon Tyne with his widowed mother.
His mother died in mid-1915

"ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

 
 ASSOCIATION—Concert at Walker.
"In connection with the St. John Ambulance Association, a successful concert was given last night in the Vaudeville, Church Street, Walker (lent by Messrs Baker Bros.), by Mr Colin Veitch and party, the proceeds of which were in aid of the Northumberland War Hospital."
- The Newcastle Journal, Saturday, 13 November 1915.

According to the 1921 census, Colin C.M. is now a stationer and newsagent still married, and living at 1 Stratford Villas in Byker.
From at least the 1921 British Phone Book, until at least 1927, they confirm Veitch's newsagent in 10 Shields Road, telephone number Central 4980
.

"The remains of the late Mrs. Minnie Gertrude Veitch were removed yesterday from her residence, No. 1, Stratford Villas, Heaton, by motor hearse from cremation at Darlington" - Sunday Sun, 23 December 1923.
Second marriage to Greta Mary Burke, in Newcastle upon Tyne, late-1925. Greta was a well-known north-eastern violinist and actress.
  registered in Newcastle upon Tyne October-December 1925 & Bradford October-December 1926

Newcastle upon Tyne Electoral Registers state Colin and Greta, along with Norman (his brother) and Edith Veitch, living at 22 Stratford Grove from 1925 until 1930.
From at least 1936, he was living at 6 Grove Avenue in Gosforth, number Gosforth 52800, where his wife remained until at least 1968.
The Kelly's Directory puts Colin living at 1 Stratford Villa, and a newsagent at 10 Shields Road in 1921 and at 6 Grove Avenue in 1936. Colin is a journalist.

Death Friday morning, 26 August 1938, at Inselspital hospital in Bern, Switzerland. Living at 6 Grove Avenue in Gosforth at the time.
aged 57 years 96 days registered in the GRO Consular Death Indices 1936-40

Obituary

"COLIN VEITCH DIES IN SWITZERLAND
FORMER NEWCASTLE AND ENGLAND FOOTBALLER
"Colin Veitch, the former Newcastle United and England international footballer, died to-day in Switzerland, where he was taken ill on holiday. He was a member of the very famous Newcastle United side that reached the F.A. Cup-final five times in seven seasons, and when Newcastle eventually won the Cup at the last of those five attempts, he was at right-half, with Peter McWilliam, the present Tottenham Hotspur manager, at left-half. Mostly Veitch was a centre-half, and he also played at centre-forward for Newcastle on many occasions. He was a classical half-back in a classical team, and on four occasions he was chosen to play for England—twice against Scotland and twice against Ireland. Colin Veitch was educated at Rutherford College, Newcastle, and he afterwards taught at his old school while he was a professional footballer. He was also a musician of considerable ability and was conductor of the local amateur operatic society's orchestra. In recent years he had turned to journalism, and reported Newcastle's matches for a Newcastle paper."
- The Evening News, Saturday, 27 August 1938.

"FEW HOURS BEFORE FOOTBALL BEGINS
"WITHIN a few hours of the opening of the football season, Mr. Colin C. M. Veitch, the former Newcastle United and England footballer, died at Berne (Switzerland), yesterday. Seized with illness in July on the eve of his summer vacation from his position as sports critic with Newcastle Chronicle Publications, Mr. Veitch, who was 56 years of age, recovered sufficiently to travel later to Murren, where he hoped to recuperate in time for football's opening. Illness dogged him, however, and following removal to a hospital in Berne, he collapsed and died yesterday morning. Mr. Veitch joined the Newcastle Chronicle staff of sporting writers in 1929 and, setting a high standard of criticism in keeping with his great career in the field of football, he contributed to the columns of 'The Sunday Sun,' 'North Mail' and 'Evening Chronicle' on football, cricket, and general athletic topics...
"A native of Newcastle, he showed unswerving loyalty to the club of his city, and it was a sad day for him when he had to write of the relegation of United from the First League. His criticism always had promotion for its object and, although the club did not always see eye to eye with him, he never veered from his aim to show them the way back to the First Division.
"Mr. Veitch was closely associated with the People's Theatre, Newcastle, since it was founded more than 25 years ago, and for many years was conductor of the Newcastle Clarion Choir. He was also the writer of plays, none of which, curiously, had anything to do with the football field or any type of outdoor sport. His last successful effort was the pantomime 'The Babes in The Hollywood,' for which he composed the music and personally produced in conjuction with his wife, formerly Greta Burke, the gifted actress, at the People's Theatre. The pantomime was afterwards played at Whitley Bay. Mr. Veitch too, was prominently connected with the Newcastle Operatic Society.
" - The Sunday Sun, 28 August 1938.
Funeral
Tuesday, 30 August 1938
Switzerland
"COLIN VEITCH CREMATED.
"A cable received in Newcastle yesterday stated that the body of Mr. Colin Veitch
, the former Newcastle United and England footballer, was cremated yesterday in Switzerland where he died on Saturday. No information regarding the disposal of the ashes has yet been received." - Birmingham Gazette, Wednesday, 31 August 1938
Service
Wednesday, 14 September 1938
Newcastle upon Tyne Crematorium
"CHORISTERS' TEARS
"Tribute to the late Colin Veitch as 'a great footballer, a bold and fearless critic, and a leader of the amateur stage' was paid by the
Rev. Herbert Barnes at a service before the ashes of the former Newcastle United and England footballer were scattered in the Garden of Remembrance at Newcastle crematorium. Mr Veitch was for more than 20 years associated with the Clarion Choir, and many of the choristers shed tears while they sang his favourite piece, 'The Long Day Closes.'" - The Sunderland Echo, Thursday, 15 September 1938
Probate "VEITCH Colin Campbell McKechnie of 6 Grove-avenue Gosforth Northumberland died 26 August 1938 at Berne Switzerland Probate Newcastle-upon-Tyne 11 November to Greta Mary Veitch widow. Effects £3371 0s. 3d." [2025 equivalent: £195,576]
"THANKS FOR SYMPATHY    Colin Veitch.—To the known and the unknown who have shown such deep appreciation of her husband and such great sympathy with her, Mrs. Colin Veitch tenders thanks." - The Evening Chronicle, Monday, 26 September 1938.
"COLIN VEITCH FUND  The Newcastle Clarion Vocal Union are trying to raise money through their Colin Veitch Memorial Fund to be able to present a trophy for North of England Musical Tournament. Last night in the Socialist Hall, Royal Arcade, Newcastle, they presented the Blaydon and District Male Choir who gave a choir and solo concert.
Soloists were: Greta Fotherel, Katherine Peel and Louis Heppell, elocutionist. The conductor was Mr. E. Curson and the chair was taken by Mr. Gerald Veitch." - The Evening Chronicle, Wednesday, 15 March 1939
  Greta Veitch died in early 1968

Source

Douglas Lammings' An English Football Internationalist Who's Who [1990] &

Playing Career

Club(s) Played schoolboy football in and around Newcastle, and playing for his college side, Rutherford. Joined his local league club, Newcastle United FC as an amateur in January 1899, he signed professional forms in 1903. He became the club captain, and he retired during WW1 when he served as an army officer.
League honours
276 appearances, 43 goals
Newcastle United FC 1899-1914 276 appearances 43 goals
debut: 28 October 1899 Newcastle United FC 0 Wolverhampton Wanderers FC 1.
last: 5 September 1914 Newcastle United FC 0 Everton FC 1.

Club honours
Football League Division One third place 1901-02 (10ᵃ 3ᵍ), 1911-12 (5ᵃ 1ᵍ),
Champions 1904-05 (24ᵃ 10ᵍ), 1906-07 (29ᵃ 7ᵍ), 1908-09 (34ᵃ 9ᵍ);
FA Cup
runners-up 1904-05 (4ᵃ), 1905-06 (8ᵃ 3ᵍ), 1907-08 (4ᵃ), 1910-11 (8ᵃ 1ᵍ),
winners
1909-10 (5ᵃ);
Sheriff of London Charity Shield winners
1907; FA Charity Shield winners 1909;
Individual honours Football League (four appearances 1ᶜ)
Distinctions Appointed President of the Players Union on 20 March 1911.
Height/Weight 5' 7½", 12st. 5lbs [1906].

Source

Douglas Lammings' An English Football Internationalist Who's Who [1990].

Management Career

Club(s) Following WW1, Veitch was secretary~manager to the United nursery side, Newcastle Swifts FC, up until the club was disbanded in 1926 and he was sacked. Soon afterwards, he became the secretary~manager at Bradford City AFC from 12 August 1926 until his resignation on 23 January 1928.
League honours
P 62 W 13 D 17 L 32
Bradford City FC 1926-28;
relegated from Division Two in his first season, left with the club in ninth position on Division Three (north); Only won one of his three FA Cup ties, a 6-0 victory over Workington, 26 November 1927.

England Career

Player number One of five who became the 312th players (314) to appear for England.
Position(s) Centre-half
First match No. 86, 16 February 1906, Ireland 0 England 5, a British Championship match at Solitude Ground, Cliftonville, Belfast, aged 24 years 270 days.
Last match No. 100, 15 March 1909, England 2 Wales 0, a British Championship match at City Ground, Pavilion Road, Nottingham, aged 27 years 297 days.
Major tournaments British Championship 1905-06, 1906-07, 1908-09;
Team honours British Championship shared 1905-06, winners 1908-09;
Individual honours The North (two appearances, One reserve, January 1906-January 1909);
The Professionals (withdrew in December 1906)
Distinctions Died six days after Bob Howarth and eight days after Ben Spilsbury

Beyond England

Veitch was co-founder, chairman, producer and actor for Newcastle's People's Theatre, he was himself, an accomplished musician, also being a conductor of the Newcastle amateur operatic society. A member of the Clarion Choir. A newsagent owner in Shields Road in his home town and a journalist in his last nine years of his life for a Newcastle paper. - An English Football Internationalists' Who's Who. Douglas Lamming (1990). Hatton Press, p.254./Yorkshire Evening Post 27 August 1938

"Newcastle City Council placed a blue plaque on Colin Veitch's former home in Stratford Villas, Heaton, on 25 September 2013, unveiled by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle."


The Numbers
parties Appearances comp. apps minutes captain
9 6 6 540 0 none
The minutes here given can only ever be a guideline and cannot therefore be accurate, only an approximation.
P W D L F A GD FTS CS FAv AAv Pts% W/L
6 3 2 1 11 4 +7 0 3 1.833 0.667 66.7 +2
All of his matches were in the British Championship competition

Venue Record

Venue P W D L F A GD FTS CS FAv AAv Pts% W/L
Home 3 1 2 0 4 2 +2 0 1 1.333 0.667 66.7 +1
Away 3 2 0 1 7 2 +5 0 2 2.333 0.667 66.7 +1

Opposition Record

Opposition P W D L F A GD FTS CS FAv AAv Pts% W/L
Wales 3 2 1 0 4 1 +3 0 2 1.333 0.333 83.3 +2
Scotland 2 0 1 1 2 3 -1 0 0 1.00 1.50 25.0 -1
Ireland 1 1 0 0 5 0 +5 0 1 5.00 0.00 100.0 +1

Tournament Record

British Championship Competition
Type P W D L F A GD FTS CS FAv AAv Pts% W/L
BC 1904-05 0 0 0 0 0 0 =0 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 =0
BC 1905-06 3 2 0 1 7 2 +5 0 2 2.333 0.667 66.7 +1
BC 1906-07 2 0 2 0 2 2 =0 0 0 1.00 1.00 50.0 =0
BC 1907-08 1 1 0 0 2 0 +2 0 1 2.00 0.00 100.0 +1
BC All 6 3 2 1 11 4 +7 0 3 1.833 0.667 66.7 +2

All Competition
Type P W D L F A GD FTS CS FAv AAv Pts% W/L
BC 6 3 2 1 11 4 +7 0 3 1.833 0.667 66.7 +2
6 3 2 1 11 4 +7 0 3 1.833 0.667 66.7 +2

Match History

 Club: Newcastle United F.C. - six full appearances (540 min) F.A. International Select Committee - six full appearances (540 min)x

apps match match details comp res. rundown pos

Age 23
84 27 March 1905 - England 3 Wales 1, Anfield Road, Liverpool BC HW reserve
85 1 April 1905 - England 1 Scotland 0, Sports Arena, Crystal Palace BC HW reserve
 

Age 24 trial  
one appearance - The North vs. The South, 22 January 1906;

1 86 17 February 1906 - Ireland 0 England 5
Solitude Ground, Belfast
BC AW   ch

one of five who became the 312th player (314) to appear for England
one of two who became the fourth Newcastle United FC player to represent England

2 87 19 March 1906 - Wales 0 England 1
Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff
BC AW   ch
3 88 7 April 1906 - Scotland 2 England 1
Hampden Park, Glasgow
BC AL   ch

Age 25 trial  
withdrew - The Professionals vs. The Amateurs, December 1906;
one appearance -
The South vs. The North, 28 January 1907;

89 16 February 1907 - England 1 Ireland 0, Goodison Park, Liverpool BC HW reserve
4 90 18 March 1907 - England 1 Wales 1
Craven Cottage, Fulham
BC HD   ch
5 91 6 April 1907 - England 1 Scotland 1
St. James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne (home ground)
BC HD   ch
 

Age 27 trial  
reserve -  The South vs. The North, 25 January 1909;

99 13 February 1909 - England 4 Ireland 0, Horton Park Avenue, Bradford BC HW reserve
6 100 15 March 1909 - England 2 Wales 0
City Ground, Nottingham
BC HW   ch
 


  
 
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