Between Daylight and Hell, Scots Who Left a Stain on American History by Iain Lundy features former St Mirren ace Robert Millar

Former St Mirren ace Robert Millar earned his place in the rogues’ gallery thanks to outrageous behaviour that included punching a spectator.

His tale is told in Between Daylight and Hell, Scots Who Left a Stain on American History, written by journalist Iain Lundy.

It features the exploits of a number of Scots who left these shores to begin a new life in the States and whose rebellious behaviour has, until now, been relatively unknown.

Most of those who feature in the book are guilty of deeds much more serious – and, occasionally, deadly – than those of football star Millar.

Talented author Iain has studied their behaviour in detail and describes them as “rogues, con artists, charlatans, killers and reprobates of the worst order”.

He said: “The characters who appear in Between Daylight and Hell came from all parts of Scotland and from all walks of life and they occupy different periods in American history.

“However, at some point, they all made headlines for the wrong reason.

“What I found strange was that, even though their deeds had been documented at the time, their stories have been all but forgotten.”

Millar – known to his friends as Bob – was born in Paisley in May, 1889 and was one of 10 siblings, eight of whom were boys.

In 1890, the year after he was born, the Scottish Football League was formed and among the 11 founder members was Paisley-based club St Mirren.

At the age of 19, Millar established himself as a regular in the Saints first team and became a hit with the fans, thanks to his talent for scoring goals.

He was still a young man when he decided to take his sporting talents to America in search of a new adventure.

In 1912, Millar signed for Philadelphia team Disston Athletic Association and later moved to Brooklyn Field Club, who competed in the National Association Football League.

It was at Brooklyn that he became known for his volatile temper, with onlookers blaming him for sparking “mini riots” which saw rowdy fans battling it out on the pitch.

Iain said Millar, who went on to become a football coach, was well suited to American sports.

He added: “The old American soccer leagues were as tough as old boots, as were the players.

“I’ve described Millar as the Eric Cantona of his day – a brilliant player but with a hairstreak temper that he couldn’t control.

“As well as his onfield clashes, which were bad enough, he had constant brushes with authority as a player and coach.

“He was, without doubt, the enfant terrible of the early days of American soccer.”

Despite the suggestion that Millar failed to represent Paisley in a positive light, Iain points out that other Scots were guilty of far worse behaviour after emigrating to America.

He said: “In some ways, the inclusion of Robert Millar is a little bit of light relief alongside the killers and conmen.

“Football, after all, is only a game. But Scotland has produced a long list of bad-boy footballers over the years and Millar, for all his undoubted talents, was one of the originals.

“Punching a spectator and then decking an opponent at half-time may not be in the same league as some of the behaviour contained in this book, but it was nevertheless a disgraceful way to act.”

Between Daylight and Hell, Scots Who Left a Stain on American History is priced £18.99 and is available in most major book stores. It can also be ordered online through Amazon.