Sam Malcolmson, a member of the 1982 All Whites squad, has died in Auckland, aged 77.
Malcolmson was an enthusiast for New Zealand football in the 50 years after he emigrated from his native Scotland, serving as a player, coach, administrator, media commentator and volunteer.
Off the pitch, he built a career in the sports apparel industry, working for global brands and with his own businesses.
A tall, athletic player who was capable of leading the attack or anchoring a defence, Malcolmson became a household name in 1982 when, at the age of 34, he became the oldest player to take the field for New Zealand at the FIFA World Cup finals in Spain.
It was his only game at the tournament but he faced Scotland, who won 5-2, generating vast media coverage in both countries, for the fairytale story of a player who left his homeland as a virtual unknown.
Malcolmson played 15 A-internationals for his adopted country, scoring twice. In his era, many national team games were later ruled to be non-cap earning games, something that irked him.
He was adamant he always gave his all when pulling on the New Zealand shirt — as far as he was concerned, he played 32 games for his country.
Friends and teammates describe Malcolmson as forthright, thoughtful and undeniably passionate in the pursuit of his interests.
Born in Dalbeattie, Malcolmson was an outstanding student athlete, winning his county’s 100-yard and 220-yard sprint championships. He could also run hurdles.
After leaving Lanark Grammar School, he joined the Royal Navy as a mechanic, serving at a base in Hampshire, the NNAS Lee-on-Solent (HMS Daedalus).
Still only 17, he was selected to represent the British Combined Services at football, becoming their youngest-ever player.
He represented the navy and British Combined Services at athletics, running the 200m and 400m events.
When he was stationed at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall, he joined English non-league club Falmouth Town, scoring five times in his 14 appearances.
Moving back to Scotland, he went in search of a football career, playing for Scottish clubs including Airdrieonians, Queen of the South and Albion Rovers.
He had two spells with Northern Ireland club Portadown.
In 1974, Malcolmson moved to New Zealand, initially joining national league club Wellington Diamond United where he started as a striker.
He scored more than 50 goals in the National League, turning out for Stop Out and then moving to Auckland in 1979 and playing for Eastern Suburbs, Manurewa and East Coast Bays.
His move to Auckland also gave him opportunities in the sports apparel industry, having secured the New Zealand agency for global brand Umbro.
He later held senior leadership roles with global brands such as Adidas, Pony, New Balance and Starter.
The 1982 World Cup campaign was Malcolmson’s swansong as a player but he found many opportunities to share his passion for football.
He served as an administrator at clubs and national body level. He coached club players and school players.
In 2013, he became a founding member of Friends of Football, and served as a committee member for seven years.
Other sporting interests included horse racing, in which he served on the board of the Avondale Jockey Club and shared in racing ownership.
In 2015, he worked as a volunteer at the FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup hosted by New Zealand, helping at North Harbour Stadium.
Samuel (Sam) Alan Malcolmson (April 2, 1947 — September 18, 2024)
No information is yet available about a funeral service for Sam Malcolmson.
Obituaries
Through the publication of obituaries, Friends of Football tries to recognise the loss of those who have significantly contributed to our game.
