EPISODE · Apr 23, 2026 · 56 MIN
#005 – Donald Wilson returns with Richard Konczak: The night Nairn County became champions
from The Nairnshire Community Newspaper Podcast: Stories from Land to Sea · host The Nairnshire Community Newspaper
In this episode, Donald Wilson sits down with a true local legend, Richard Konczak, the man between the posts when Nairn County F.C. made history.We are marking 50 years since that unforgettable 1975 to 76 season, when the club won its first and only Highland League title, and Richard was right at the heart of it.This conversation feels like sitting in the stands with two people who lived it. Donald guides the story, while Richard brings it vividly to life. From boyhood memories of falling in love with football at Station Park, to training alongside his heroes, and eventually becoming one of them.We hear how the team was transformed under the leadership of manager Innes MacDonald, not just tactically, but psychologically. This was a side built on discipline, trust, and an unshakeable belief in each other.And then comes the drama!A season of big results and rising pressure leads to a winner takes all playoff against Fraserburgh F.C. on May 17, 1976, a match that would define a generation.What follows is unforgettable. A packed crowd and electric atmosphere. A brutal collision that leaves Richard unconscious. A goal line clearance that keeps the dream alive. And a stunning long range winner that seals the title.This is more than football nostalgia. It is a story about resilience, leadership, and the power of community.Chapters:00:00: Donald Wilson welcomes Richard Konczak01:10: The 1975–76 season & playoff victory02:30: Falling in love with football & early days06:10: Joining Nairn County FC & learning from legends10:00: Innes MacDonald: leadership & rebuilding the team15:00: Building the squad & key players23:00: Captain Davie Cochrane & team mentality26:00: Training, fitness & what made the difference32:50: Big wins & the title race drama37:30: Late-season pressure & playoff confirmed42:00: Playoff build-up vs Fraserburgh45:05: The match: goals, injury & dramatic finish50:00: Celebrations, legacy & what it meant for Nairn
What this episode covers
In this episode, Donald Wilson sits down with a true local legend, Richard Konczak, the man between the posts when Nairn County F.C. made history.We are marking 50 years since that unforgettable 1975 to 76 season, when the club won its first and only Highland League title, and Richard was right at the heart of it.This conversation feels like sitting in the stands with two people who lived it. Donald guides the story, while Richard brings it vividly to life. From boyhood memories of falling in love with football at Station Park, to training alongside his heroes, and eventually becoming one of them.We hear how the team was transformed under the leadership of manager Innes MacDonald, not just tactically, but psychologically. This was a side built on discipline, trust, and an unshakeable belief in each other.And then comes the drama!A season of big results and rising pressure leads to a winner takes all playoff against Fraserburgh F.C. on May 17, 1976, a match that would define a generation.What follows is unforgettable. A packed crowd and electric atmosphere. A brutal collision that leaves Richard unconscious. A goal line clearance that keeps the dream alive. And a stunning long range winner that seals the title.This is more than football nostalgia. It is a story about resilience, leadership, and the power of community.Chapters:00:00: Donald Wilson welcomes Richard Konczak01:10: The 1975–76 season & playoff victory02:30: Falling in love with football & early days06:10: Joining Nairn County FC & learning from legends10:00: Innes MacDonald: leadership & rebuilding the team15:00: Building the squad & key players23:00: Captain Davie Cochrane & team mentality26:00: Training, fitness & what made the difference32:50: Big wins & the title race drama37:30: Late-season pressure & playoff confirmed42:00: Playoff build-up vs Fraserburgh45:05: The match: goals, injury & dramatic finish50:00: Celebrations, legacy & what it meant for Nairn
NOW PLAYING
#005 – Donald Wilson returns with Richard Konczak: The night Nairn County became champions
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
No similar episodes found.
Similar Podcasts
No similar podcasts found.