[4] Douglas left Renfrew in 1880 and headed south to England (meaning he was no longer eligible for further Scotland caps under the conventions of the time).
[5][6] Douglas was one of a triumvirate of Scottish professionals, alongside Fergus Suter and Hugh McIntyre, who provided the backbone of Blackburn Rovers' FA Cup success of the 1880s.
[1] To circumvent the rules on professionalism Douglas was found employment at Yate's Iron Foundry in the town and he quickly became a popular member of the club.
His enthusiastic approach to the game was noted by the correspondent of the Blackburn Times in April 1882, when it was reported that Douglas 'is a bold player, and when fortune seems against the team becomes reckless of danger, dashing forward against any odds.
His success was all the more remarkable because of his small build, but, in an era when brute force often triumphed over finesse, his Scot had sufficient skill to be able to make his mark on the game.
Douglas made his League debut on 15 September 1888, playing as a wing-half against Accrington at Leamington Road, then home of Blackburn Rovers.