Nicknamed "Ecky," Halkett was one of the original pioneering Aberdeen players who helped ease the club in to the Scottish League in the early part of the century. Signed from Dundee in 1904, became a regular right half in the Dons side and was a firm favourite for the "Black & Golds". Elevated to club captain in 1907, Halkett was never capped for his country and scored two goals during his five seasons at Pittodrie.
"Alexander Halkett, right-half, is one of the neatest players who ever kicked a ball. He comes of a well-known Dundee family of footballers, and fully keeps up the reputation of it. A most judicious man, and one who is very seldom off form."
Source: Aberdeen Evening Gazette, 26th November 1904
Alick Halket, who has undergone a serious operation since the season ended, is now on the high road to recovery. He is still in hospital, but is mending very rapidly.
Source: Bon-Accord, 6th June 1907
HALKETT GOES TO PORTSMOUTH
Alexander Halkett, who has been with the Aberdeen club since the amalgamation, has been transferred to the Portsmouth club. Many will regret this players departure, and his finished half-back play will be a distinct loss to the Pittodrie club. Halkett commenced playing for Aberdeen when the club was admitted to the Second Division of the league, there was thus the oldest playing member in the club. He was the sole remaining player of the team which won the Qualifying Cup in 1904-5.
Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 12th May 1909
Whilst initially it was reported that he was to sign for Portsmouth, the player himself contacted the Dundee Evening Times informing them that this was incorrect. Surprisingly Ecky struggled to find a club during the following months and the 1909-10 season kicked without his name on any team sheet. There was mention of a move to Reading in October 1909, but nothing seems to have come of it. In November 1909 he was to be found training with Dundee Hibs and a prospective move to Bolton Wanderers the following month seems to have failed due to Aberdeen?s requested transfer fee. It would not be until November 1910 that Ecky would again take to the football field when he signed for Forfar Athletic. In August 1911 he would sign for St Johnstone and recapture some of his old form but after two seasons with the Perth club he departed for Breadalbane where he would play one more season before retiring.
Mrs. Halkett, Spey Street, Kingussie, received official intimation last week that her husband, Gunner Alexander Halkett, Royal Field Artillery, has fallen in action. The deceased was one of the most prominent football players in the west and middle districts of Scotland. He leaves a young wife and child.
Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 20th March 1917
| Military Profile |
| Rank |
Gunner |
| Regiment/Service |
Royal Field Artillery |
| Unit |
"C" Battalion, 87th Brigade |
| Service Number |
143620 |
| Cemetery |
SAILLY-AU-BOIS MILITARY CEMETERY |
| CWGC Reference |
Alex Halkett |
| Additional Info |
THE PEOPLE'S JOURNAL: 17.03.1917
WAR CASUALTIES - PERTH
News has come to hand that Gunner Alexander L. Halkett, R.F.A., a well-known
football player, has been killed in action. Gunner Halkett, who was the
son of Mr John Halkett, 1 Park Avenue, Dundee. enlisted about midsummer
last year, and went to the front in December. He was at one time half-back
for Dundee Football Club, and afterwards acted as captain for Aberdeen
F.C. Latterly he came to Perth to play for St. Johnstone. Gunner Halkett
was 35 years of age, and was married ten months ago.
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