GRAYS Athletic FC has announced the passing of former Blues goalkeeper and Hall of Fame inductee Malcolm Shaw.

Malcolm started his senior playing career at the now defunct West Thurrock Athletic as a 17-year-old and it became clear even at that tender age that he was destined to play at a higher level.

Following many outstanding displays for West Thurrock he caught the attention of the management team at Grays, signing for the club in the summer of 1959 taking the number one jersey from veteran Ron Ambridge.

Malcolm's first game between the sticks was on 25th August 1959 in a Thameside Trophy tie against Dagenham. Unfortunately he was on the losing side, the Daggers winning 2-0.

It was to be the first of 160 appearances over five seasons, with his last appearance on the 18th April 1964 resulting in a 6-0 reverse to Barnet in the Athenian Premier.

Despite playing in a period when Blues struggled at the lower end of the league table his outstanding displays continued to impress. Illustrated by a man of the match performance when Enfield inflicted a 12-0 hammering in April 1963, but for Malcolm the score would have been considerably worse, as bad as it was. 

No surprise then when at the time non league giants Walthamstow Avenue came calling, it was while at Avenue Malcolm won his only International cap against Wales in November 63, resulting in a 3-3 draw.

Also in the side that day was another local player Ken Gray. Malcolm was a reserve for the GB Olympic qualifying squad against Iceland. He also played for Middlesex Wanderers, an FA representative team and of course Essex.

Malcolm's time at Walthamstow was brief, the travelling being a factor and he subsequently returned to the Rec. His last season with the club in 63/64 saw him make 10 appearances. 

He ended his career at near neighbours Tilbury making 37 appearances in the 64/65 season, playing his last senior game for them in 1968.

As well as his prowess at football he was also a very good cricketer turning out for Chadwell Cricket club in the summer.

Malcolm will be remembered by older Blues supporters as one of the greatest players to represent the club.

The club sends its condolences to his family and friends.