Halliburton Football Club was formed in 1976 as a
works team playing in the oil related "Energy League". The team
originally consisted of Halliburton Staff only and was played on a friendly
basis. The football Club was started in an official capacity in 1977 when
membership was applied for and achieved in the Aberdeenshire Amateur Football
Association. 1977 had seen an increase in offshore work, which ultimately meant
many staff members being unavailable and so the door was opened to non staff
members. For the first 12 seasons within the AAFA the club was managed by George
Sang with Richard Murray acting as Secretary. During the early years much credit
was due to Mr. Charlie Jacks the Halliburton Divisional Manager for his company
backed financial support. During the 12 years George managed the club he was
later assisted by Frank Gardiner who tragically died at a very early age in
1991. George took the side to the Semi final of the Barclay Cook Cup in 1982
which was narrowly lost at Linksfield Two, now the all weather pitch at the
Chris Anderson Stadium. He also set up insurance cover and introduced training,
which was held at the now demolished Hilton Academy. Charlie Grant, then Doug
Stephen took charge of the training nights. In 1989 George was transferred
abroad and Halliburton were fortunate to have an able replacement already within
the club. Veteran player Dave Strath had been on the books since 1983 and was
keen to explore management, as his long playing career was coming to an end.
Unfortunately after only one season, Dave was Head Hunted by Newcomers Echt who
had applied to join the Amateur Ranks and Dave moved there as Secretary. The
club once again promoted from within when Raymond Cruickshank became Manager for
season 90-91, an indifferent season followed with mixed results and Raymond
retired from football at the end of the campaign. Stuart Marlow took control,
initially only on a temporary basis, but continued and lead the club to its
first triumph at the end of his first season in charge, the Stephen Shield was
won in May 1992. Stuart along with Gary Longmuir had been at the club since 1977
and so following two managers in quick succession after 1 in 12 years, a bit of
stability was regained. He is still Manger today and is now assisted by Jim
Ritchie. Following reasonable league spots from 91/92-93/94, a runner up slot in
94/95 and a mid table finish from season 95/96, season 96/97 bombed. The club
reached desperation point with low morale and confidence, culminating in a rock
bottom 0-11 defeat prior to Christmas. Stuart felt that with Halliburton now in
their 20th season as amateurs something had to be done to revive a previously
proud club. He approached Jim who had spent many years in the first division as
a player then coach and his added qualification, a graduation from teachers
training as PE teacher made him an ideal candidate to breath life back into
Halliburton FC. Jim agreed to join and this proved to be a turning point. Team
spirit improved and slowly results turned in the clubs favor. A low league
finish from 96/97 was followed up in 97/98 with a mid table slot and a league
cup semi final appearance. Neill Milne also won the divisional player of the
year for 97/98. 98/99 saw Halliburton slip back a little and relegation to the
AAFA Div. 5 was the unfortunate result. Despite this the club spirit remained
buoyant and during 99/2000 surpassed all expectations, winning 3 AAFA
competitions, the division 5 Championship, the Castle Rovers Cup and the
Divisional Fair Play Trophy. Sponsorship has been vital throughout the clubs
history and was initially supplied solely by Halliburton manufacturing Services.
Following on from them Jack Scot Equipment Hire and Doug Stephen Wholesale
Flowers injected much needed revenue before Shelly Leigh's Restaurant took over
as main sponsor in season 95/96.