SAD NEWS : Ted McMinn Birmingham City Legend dies at the age of 61 …

McMinn contracted a mystery infection that led to most of his right foot being amputated.

Kevin Clifton “Ted” McMinn (born 28 September 1962) is a Scottish former association footballer who played as a winger. His nickname is The Tin Man.^[1]

Born in Castle Douglas and raised in nearby Dumfries,^[1] McMinn was alleged by The Scotsman to be called ‘Teddy’ at school because he ran as if he had a teddy bear tucked under his arm.^[2] In his autobiography McMinn stated it was because as a toddler he and his teddy bear were inseparable.^[1]

McMinn started his playing career at Scottish junior side Glenafton Athletic in 1981.^[1] McMinn joined Glenafton from Dumfries High School FPs along with teammate Stewart Cochrane.

McMinn returned to south-west Scotland joining Dumfries club Queen of the South in 1982. At Queens he became a teammate of Cochrane’s for the third time. The transfer fee was, “£325 so that Glenafton could buy a new carpet for their club house and 1,000 Queens lottery tickets.” When McMinn debuted in 1982–83 it was for a Queens team who had just been relegated after one season in the middle of Scottish football’s three divisions – a season where Willie Harkness and his fellow directors had decided to run the club without a manager and select the team themselves. McMinn’s debut was in the 1–1 draw versus Meadowbank Thistle on 6 November. McMinn remained with Queens until October 1984.^[1][3]

McMinn returned to Palmerston Park under the new regime of Norman Blount to play for a Queen of the South select on 23 April 1995. The opposition in the 2–2 draw was Rangers in a game to mark Queens’ 75th anniversary and the opening of the new stand. Other guests for Queens included Andy Thomson, Davie Irons and Rowan Alexander.^[1]

When later interviewed for the club, Jimmy Robertson, Alan Davidson and George Cloy were among those McMinn named as the best players he played beside at Palmerston.