Jim Rodger wanted to become a school teacher, and that ambition led to him playing a part in one of Saints’ greatest days!
Born in Cleland in September 1933, he began playing football at school, progressing through to the Wishaw High school first team. In his final year, they reached the under-18 Shield final in 1951, winning 5-1.
After school, Jim joined Cumnock Juniors before moving up to the senior game with Rangers in May 1952. Three years later, after three first team appearances, he was released by manager Scot Symon as he was unwilling to turn full-time due to pursuing that teaching qualification at Glasgow University. Rangers loss was Saints’ gain, as manager Willie Reid moved quickly to sign him after being impressed with his displays in recent reserve matches between the sides.
Jim’s first match for Saints was a League Cup game against Kilmarnock on 13th August 1955. He scored his first goal in the opening league match against Raith Rovers in a 2-2 draw. His second goal was against Dumbarton in the quarter-final of the League Cup as Saints won 6-2 on aggregate. A 2-0 replay win over Motherwell in the semi-final led Saints to the final against Aberdeen. On 22nd October 1955 Saints faced Aberdeen at Hampden, but unfortunately, despite playing well, lost 2-1 to The Dons. During that first season Jim played in 24 matches, scoring four times.
Over the next couple of years his appearances in the stripes were limited due to National Service, playing only 14 games with five goals scored. Serving his time in the RAF, he spent a period stationed at RAF St Athan, near Barry, in South Wales. To keep up his playing fitness, he spent some time with local club Newport County, playing several reserve matches during the latter part of season 1956/57. He scored a few goals in these matches and at the start of the following season he made five appearances in the County top team, scoring once against Port Vale in a 2-1 win on 11th November 1957 before returning to Paisley.
It was to be January 1959 before he gained a regular starting place in the Saints’ team, just in time to play his part in St Mirren history as they reached the Scottish Cup final. Having scored in the first three rounds of the competition against Peebles Rovers, Motherwell and Dunfermline, Jim was a vital part of the team that swept Celtic aside 4-0 in the semi-final before lining up against Aberdeen on 25th April 1959. He played his part in gaining revenge for that League Cup defeat in 1955, with a 3-1 win.
After the cup win, Jim started the next season in good form and was to play 30 of the 34 league matches scoring 5 times. He also scored four times in the Scottish Cup as another bit of history was made. The first round of their defence of the trophy saw them face Glasgow University at Love Street. In a one-sided match, Jim scored the 14th goal as Saints ran in a club record 15-0 score line.
The second round paired Saints with Celtic and Jim scored just after the hour mark to put Saints ahead, but the lead lasted just 60 seconds and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. The replay saw a goal-fest with Jim again scoring once in a 4-4 draw. A second replay saw Jim continue his scoring record, however this time it was a consolation as Saints lost 5-2.
Season 1960/61 was arguably Jim’s best season at Love Street. He played in 40 matches over all competitions and scored 15 times, making him the club’s top scorer. Best match of the season, and possibly Jim’s best-ever in the stripes, was undoubtedly a Scottish Cup match against Third Lanark. Having drawn 3-3 in the first match, Saints travelled to Cathkin for the replay on 28th February. Jim was on top form and in nine second half minutes he netted his first senior hat-trick. He added a fourth goal later in the game as Saints ran out 8-0 winners.
Season 1961/62 started well with Jim scoring in a League Cup match against Raith Rovers. When the league campaign got underway he scored twice in the first three matches. He continued to play well, making 21 appearances up until the middle of January 1962. His form prompted Hearts’ manager Tommy Walker, to take him to Tynecastle at the beginning of February.
In his seven years in Paisley Jim played 155 matches and scored 44 times, placing him 32nd in Saints’ scoring charts.
This article first appeared in the St Mirren matchday programme on 5th August 2017 for the match against Falkirk.
