Broxburn United was formed in April 1912 when it became clear that a small town like Broxburn could not support two senior sides.[3] United became members of the Central Football League (apart from a spell in the Eastern Football League from 1915 to 1917) and along with much of the membership of this group they were admitted to the newly expanded Scottish Football League Second Division in 1921.[4]
It appeared to be unrealistic for a town of just 3,000 people to sustain a league club,[5] and although the club's first match in the SFL attracted a crowd of 3,500,[6] an economic downturn meant that too many clubs were trying to attract too few spectators.[7] Broxburn were censured in 1922 for fielding only two first team players in a league match against St Bernard's.[7]
Stenhousemuir player Joe Shortt reported to the League that he had been offered £50 by the representatives of a bookmaker from Glasgow to play poorly in a match against Broxburn United.[8]
^Paul Smith & Shirley Smith (2005) The Ultimate Directory of English & Scottish Football League Grounds Second Edition 1888–2005, Yore Publications, p220 ISBN0954783042