I’m a former Man Utd star – now I own a dog-themed B+B and won Channel 4’s Four in a Bed
JIM McCalliog achieved his dream of playing for Man Utd, after he became a Wolves legend.
Southampton fans will remember his defence-splitting pass that set up Bobby Stokes to score the only goal in the 1976 FA Cup final win.
While McCalliog, who released his autobiography Wembley Wins Wembley Woes in 2021, is also famous for a winning goal for Scotland against England in a 3-2 win at the Twin Towers.
But, it could be argued his greatest accolade came after he retired from the game in 1991, following a stint as manager of Halifax Town.
The Scottish midfielder, now 77, featured alongside his wife Debbie on Channel 4’s long-serving show, Four in a Bed.
They were showing off their beautiful dog-themed B&B in Ayrshire to the viewing public in a competition against three other hopefuls.
Lo and behold, McCalliog’s Langside Bed and Breakfast was declared the best and won.
Incredibly, that appearance on national TV got the ex-Red Devils star recognised by one of Scotland most famous celebrities.
His missus Debbie revealed: “We were invited to a Scotland against England game and when we arrived, Sir Rod Stewart was in the room.
“Jim went over to speak to him and Sir Rod said: ‘You’re the couple who have the B&B’.”
Comfortable lodgings
While Rod revealed himself as a Four in a Bed fan, he also would approve of the Langside which saw Hollywood actor Dougray Scott pay a visit once too.
Originally an arable farm in the 18th century, Jim and Debbie have been running the lodgings since 2006.
It boasts four charming rooms, including the Cameron Suite, McKellar Suite, Fulton Family Suite, and Woodhouse Room.
Prices start at a very reasonable £110-per-night, which includes breakfast.
McCalliog described the decor as “quirky”.
They have opted for a canine theme with a giant dog statue outside the front door, pooch-printed wallpaper and other ornaments.
McCalliog said: “Our key strengths are making sure the customer is okay.”
Nearby attractions include the beaches at Troon, Dean Castle and Dundonald Castle which are a short drive away.
And you can get your fashion fix at the Silverburn indoor shopping centre, which has shops including Zara, JD Sports, H&M and more.
Debbie revealed that the couple never applied to be on the show.
She told the Daily Record: “They kept phoning us asking if we could block a fortnight off to do it.
“So I eventually made sure we were free for two weeks last September and we took part.”
Their three groups of guests were pleased with their hosts, apart from one who described McCalliog as “wooden”.
And feedback on TripAdvisor is equally as impressive.
The reviews are in
The travel advice website gives the Langside five stars from 150 reviews.
One customer wrote: “Stayed here for two nights attending a local funeral. Very friendly hosts, Debbie & Jim, welcomed us on arrival. We had a great natter and they showed us to our well appointed room with en-suite. We took their recommendation for a local restaurant which was very good.
“Breakfasts were excellent, Continental on Day 1 and cooked on Day 2. Ample parking and good free WiFi. Our second time staying here and we’ll definitely return.”
A second posted: “One of the best places we’ve stayed. Lovely situation with plenty parking, Easy access to the M77. We’ve stayed in two different rooms ; the Cameron suite is our favourite.
“Super hosts who are very helpful with luggage etc and cook a great breakfast!”
Grateful Debbie and Jim happily respond and thank their customers for the kind words.
Former life
Although he’s now reinvented himself as a B&B owner, McCalliog enjoyed a stellar career in the game.
The creative star scored one of the goals when Scotland beat World Cup winners England 3-2 at Wembley in 1967.
A year earlier he netted in the FA Cup final for Sheffield Wednesday in their 3-2 defeat against Everton.
McCalliog spent the longest spell of his career at Wolves, where he was a runner-up in the Uefa Cup, and had a season under Tommy Docherty at Man Utd in 1974-75.
He added: “It was an ambition realised to play at Old Trafford.
“I should have gone to Man Utd earlier in my career but for reasons out of my control it never happened.
“In those days a lot of the time you were just told you were staying put even if you wanted a move.
“There were no agents. But at least I had a season with United.”