Alec Cheyne


Alexander George Cheyne was a Scottish footballer who played as an inside forward. He is reputed to have been responsible for the Hampden Roar following his goal in the 'Cheyne International' of 1929.

Playing career

Aberdeen

Cheyne began as a professional for Aberdeen, signing in 1925 from Shettleston Juniors. During his time at Pittodrie he became an idol of the locals, and his goals helped improve the team from regular mid-table finishes to third place in his final season.

Chelsea and Nîmes

Cheyne joined David Calderhead's Chelsea in 1930 for a club record fee of £6,000 but, despite playing alongside other talented forwards such as Hughie Gallacher and Alex Jackson, he struggled to settle.
He joined French club Nîmes Olympique in 1932. He returned to Chelsea two years later, finally leaving in 1936.

International

Cheyne won five caps for Scotland national team, scoring four goals, including a hat-trick against Norway and a goal direct from a corner against England—a feat legalised just the season before. This last goal is credited with starting the 'Hampden Roar': with Scotland down to ten players and less than a minute remaining of the game, over 110,000 fans took up a roar of encouragement, continuing past the final whistle and becoming a tradition at Scotland home games. Cheyne is reported to have made scoring from corners something of a speciality, having performed the feat twice more for his club side the following season.

Coaching and managerial career

Upon retiring Cheyne moved into coaching, initially with Chelmsford City winning trophies in the Southern [Football League]. He then became manager of Arbroath, though without success.

Career statistics

International

Scores and results list Scotland's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Cheyne goal
No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
113 April 1929Hampden Park, GlasgowEngland1–01–01928–29 British Home Championship
226 May 1929Brann Stadion, BergenNorway3–17–3Friendly
326 May 1929Brann Stadion, BergenNorway6–27–3Friendly
426 May 1929Brann Stadion, BergenNorway7–27–3Friendly

Honours

Colchester United