IT’S FUN TO STAY AT THE YMCA

Broughty Ferry’s BILL ROBERTSON is interested to find out how former Dundee amateur football side YM Anchorage came about their name.

Anchorage were one of the founder members of the Midlands Amateur FA in 1926 and were league champions in their second season.

It was season 1933-34 before they won their next league title, but that kicked off an unprecedented run of title wins until 1959, only briefly losing their crown to Invergowrie (1954) and Wormit (1956 and 57).

They won their first North of Tay Cup in 1929 and, in all, they won the regional trophy 10 times, including four in a row from 1949-52 inclusive.

In addition, many of the local cups ended up in the YM showcase.

Unfortunately, they disbanded a few years ago.

However, after that brief history lesson, it’s back to Bill’s original query, and he offers what his late dad told him.

“My father William C. Robertson was a former YM Anchorage player and was one of the founder members,” said Bill.

“The team was linked to the Boys Brigade, who were attached to the church situated up Constitution Road.

“However, there were no real facilities for the boys to do their drill in the church hall, so they were put through their paces at the YMCA further down the ‘Conshie’.

“It’s reckoned that is how they started up and how they got their name.

“However, I wouldn’t say this theory is set in stone, and I would welcome any other input.”

MARYFIELD’S BARROWLOAD

Dundee Downfield resident ANGUS ROURKE (50) also remembers being at the Scottish Juvenile Cup Final at North End Park in the late 1960s.

“I reckon the team Maryfield United beat that day were called Germiston Star,” said Angus.

“You mentioned Gil Kerr as playing, and I’m pretty sure it was his father Jerry, then manager of Dundee United, who presented the cup to the winners.

“I remember a really good crowd being in attendance and that the game was goalless at half-time.

“Maryfield turned the screw in the second half and scored a barrowload, winning — I think — around 7-0.

“Also, this may have been a replay and something tells me they drew 2-2 in the first game.”

UNITED FANS’ STREET CONGA

“Lifelong Dundee FC Fan” FERGUS McCURLEY referred back to our August 18 issue, which highlighted Dundee United’s 5-0 thrashing of their city neighbours at Dens Park, and the Tannadice side’s clinching of the league title in season 1982-83 at the same ground.

“I was at that 1982-83 game, and have been trying to forget about it ever since,” he said.

“However, after reading your article, I remember that, in the evening, I had tickets to see Jack Bruce, the Cream bassist, who was playing at the Bonar Hall.

“I remember coming out of the concert and seeing a massive line of United fans in conga-fashion twisting in and out of Winston’s, which was the bar connected to the Angus Hotel.

“Little did they or I know at the time that it was to be their last title celebration.”

CAULIFLOWER EAR

Laura Doherty’s plea, on behalf of her father Frank, for information on Dundee boxer Mickey Summers (BwB, Sept. 22), prompted a response from Dundee reader PAT TINNEY.

“My mother is the last remaining sibling of Mickey Summers,” said Pat.

“His father died in WW1, leaving my grandmother with two surviving sons.

“She later remarried, and my mum is the last of the second family.

“Mum has fond memories of her big brother and the prizes he won.

“These were very welcome to a struggling widow.

“My cousin John Summers currently lives in Glasgow.

“His father (also John) boxed in the RNVR and then the army during World War Two.

“I was always fascinated by his cauliflower ear.

“Laura is welcome to contact me on 01382 810898.”