Pfft!
Before Donald Trump purchased a golf course or two in Scotland in 2014, Aussies had been plying their trade in 'Alba' since the 1980s.
And we have a book about it! 😁
From Dave Mitchell’s trailblazing move to Rangers to Ange Postecoglou’s history-making run at Celtic, Socceroos in Scotland, by Paul Murphy, charts four decades of Australian footballers’ growing impact in Scotland and the surprising two-way bond between the two footballing cultures.
Author and journalist, Paul Murphy, takes readers on a journey from Glasgow to the Highlands, uncovering the untold story of how Aussies went from fringe curiosities to pivotal figures in Scottish football.
With exclusive interviews with players such as Tony Vidmar, Scott McDonald, and Erik Paartalu, as well as rare insights from coaches, teammates, and journalists, Socceroos in Scotland reveals the grit, ambition, and shared history that have defined this footballing exchange.
What emerges is not just a sporting tale but a cultural story of migration, identity, and mutual respect. Scottish immigrants helped shape the early game in Australia; now, Australian players and coaches are leaving their mark. This book is about football—but also about opportunity, legacy, and the unexpected paths connecting nations through sport.
This is Paul Murphy's second book. He is also the co-author of Chappuis—My Story.