HALLIBURTON FC HISTORY 1977 - 2008
Halliburton Football Club was formed in 1976 as a works team playing in the oil related "Energy League". The team originally consisted of Halliburton Staff only and was played on a friendly basis. The football Club was started in an official capacity in 1977 when membership was applied for and achieved in the Aberdeenshire Amateur Football Association.
1977 had seen an increase in offshore work, which ultimately meant many staff members being unavailable and so the door was opened to non staff members. For the first 12 seasons within the AAFA the club was managed by George Sang with Richard Murray acting as Secretary. During the early years much credit was due to Mr. Charlie Jacks the Halliburton Divisional Manager for his company backed financial support. During the 12 years George managed the club he was later assisted by Frank Gardiner who tragically died at a very early age in 1991. George took the side to the Semi final of the Barclay Cook Cup in 1982 which was narrowly lost at Linksfield Two, now the all weather pitch at the Chris Anderson Stadium. He also set up insurance cover and introduced training, which was held at the now demolished Hilton Academy. Charlie Grant, then Doug Stephen took charge of the training nights. In 1989 George was transferred abroad and Halliburton were fortunate to have an able replacement already within the club. Veteran player Dave Strath had been on the books since 1983 and was keen to explore management, as his long playing career was coming to an end. Unfortunately after only one season, Dave was Head Hunted by Newcomers Echt who had applied to join the Amateur Ranks and Dave moved there as Secretary.
The club once again promoted from within when Raymond Cruickshank became Manager for season 90-91, an indifferent season followed with mixed results and Raymond retired from football at the end of the campaign. Stuart Marlow took control, initially only on a temporary basis, but continued and lead the club to its first triumph at the end of his first season in charge, the Stephen Shield was won in May 1992. Stuart along with Gary Longmuir had been at the club since 1977 and so following two managers in quick succession after 1 in 12 years, a bit of stability was regained. He is still Manger today and is now assisted by Jim Ritchie. Following reasonable league spots from 91/92-93/94, a runner up slot in 94/95 and a mid table finish from season 95/96, season 96/97 bombed. The club reached desperation point with low morale and confidence, culminating in a rock bottom 0-11 defeat prior to Christmas. Stuart felt that with Halliburton now in their 20th season as amateurs something had to be done to revive a previously proud club. He approached Jim who had spent many years in the first division as a player then coach and his added qualification, a graduation from teachers training as PE teacher made him an ideal candidate to breath life back into Halliburton FC.
Jim agreed to join and this proved to be a turning point. Team spirit improved and slowly results turned in the clubs favor. A low league finish from 96/97 was followed up in 97/98 with a mid table slot and a league cup semi final appearance. Neill Milne also won the divisional player of the year for 97/98. 98/99 saw Halliburton slip back a little and relegation to the AAFA Div. 5 was the unfortunate result. Despite this the club spirit remained buoyant and during 99/2000 surpassed all expectations, winning 3 AAFA competitions, the division 5 Championship, the Castle Rovers Cup and the Divisional Fair Play Trophy. The club was dealt a massive blow in March 2003 when Gary Longmuir died suddenly. Gary had joined Halliburton along with Stuart Marlow in 1977, he had a short spell in junior football before returning to the club in the 80's. Garys untimely death had a big effect on all the players particularly the longer serving members and without doubt we shall never again see a player of his class in a Halliburton jersey. In December of 2003 our former manager and founder George Sang also passed away after battling cancer. George was a larger than life character and a fantastic player. At the beginning of season 2005/2006 we introduced individual player sponsorship which adds much needed revenue to the club funds and the club is indebted to these sponsors. Sponsorship has always been important to us with initially Halliburton being our sole sponsor. Jack Scott and Doug Stephen flowers have backed us in the past and now Stephen Taylor of Shelley Leighs Restaurant in Charlotte Street Aberdeen continues to lend his support in various ways along with BDM Ironing Services and Hallin Marine (UK) Ltd, once again the club much appreciates this valuable support. At the end of this season, Halliburton were involved in a three way play off for the right to be placed in Division One of the newly formulated League set up. Unfortunately we missed out , finishing runners up to Blackburn in the Final.
We found ourselves in our second play-off situation at the end of season 06/07 when we played Portlethen in a winner takes all, one off match, for the right to remain in Division 2. Halli coming out victorious against Portlethen Utd. In the middle of the same season, our 30th campaign, Stuart Marlow played his 1000th match for the club in a 3-2 league win out at Portlethen.
To celebrate the fact that the club had completed its 30th season in the amateur ranks, we held a 30th Anniversary event at the Northern Hotel which was well supported by the current squad and a variety of ex players from years gone by. The event was a huge success and ensured the stability of the club for the following season and hopefully years to come.
Season 07/08 turned out to be one of the clubs most memorable, however, unfortunately a fantastic winning run of 14 victories on the trot, beating premier league and first division sides on the way, did not result in any silverware. We had to contend ourselves with a 5th spot finish in the league and a norrow 1-0 defeat from Stonehaven in the closely contested Castle Rovers Cup Final.
