“I read your column every week and, as a former Kirkton laddie, it’s been good to see some of the names mentioned,” said Ronnie, who now stays in Liff.
“I was going to get in touch with you to put forward Graeme Payne, but someone beat me to it.
“However, there is another — and he was involved in quite a big transfer at the time.
“GARY MURRAY was a great striker with Montrose and Hibs came in for him in 1980 and paid around £65,000 for him.
“Gary grew up with me in Kirkton and stayed in the Haldane area.
“Coincidentally, I work as a plasterer and am currently doing a job in Gary’s house.”
Gary signed for Montrose from Blairgowrie Juniors in the 1978/79 season, and he soon became a big favourite at Links Park with his goalscoring prowess.
Lisbon Lion Bertie Auld thought so, too, as he was the Hibs manager who paid Montrose £60,000 to take him to Easter Road on December 23, 1980.
After a spell at Easter Road, the saw doctor to trade signed for Forfar before Ian Stewart brought him back to Links Park in a swap deal during season 1985/86.
Gary played over 200 matches during his two spells at Links Park, scoring 110 goals in the process — scoring average of approximately a goal every two games.
One game particularly remembered by the Gable Endies’ faithful is a League Cup tie against Cowdenbeath at Central Park.
After 90 minutes the score was 0-0. With the prospect of penalties looming, Gary won the game for Montrose when he scored four goals in a 15-minute spell during extra-time.
In the dressing-room after the game, manager Ian Stewart told Gary that he had just been about to take him off!
Gary is still involved in the game as he is a coach with the Dundee United SC set-up in Dundee.
I’m also sure I saw him whizzing past me recently at the wheel of a taxi, so any sawdoctoring may have been put to one side meantime.
Ronnie Stark was a team-mate of mine during a very successful spell at Douglas Amateurs, where his goals greatly contributed to a Angus AFA top-league title, several cup successes and a North of Tay Cup Final appearance.
Ronnie was very popular in the dressing-room and is an up-front character, who, many said, could talk for Scotland.
Indeed, Ronnie — a very good player — always liked to tell you so.
Ronnie reminded me during our conversation that he also played for Juvenile sides Albion Rangers, Lochrae and the legendary Fairies (Fairfield).
In addition, he also enjoyed successful spells with other amateur sides such as Logie Harp and Riverside Athletic.
He was certainly good enough to take the step up to the Junior grade, but preferred, as many did in the late 70s and 80s, to stay amateur.
AFTER DARK, BOB JUMPED THE WALL
The latest offering from STAN MILNE, of Leng Street, Dundee, concerns Dundee visiting Highland opposition in the Scottish Cup.
“I was interested to see Dundee’s game at Huntly being called off because of the weather,” said Stan.
“This reminded me of a tale regarding legendary Dundee manager Bob Shankly.
“In season 1962-63, Dundee were drawn against one of the three Inverness teams, Caley (Thistle and Clachnacuddin being the other two).
“The Dark Blues travelled up on the day before the game and there were doubts about the game going ahead because of the ground conditions.
“Shankly asked to see the ground for himself, but was refused permission by the Inverness officials.
“Undaunted, he waited until the park was locked up for the night and returned.
“He climbed over the wall and made his own assessment.
“It all worked out for him as the game went ahead and Dundee won 5-1.”
MET FOOTBALL RIVAL IN PUB AND HAVE BEEN FRIENDS EVER SINCE
Lochee reader JOE CARR was surprised to see the January 18 tribute to “Chuck” MacGowan giving his real Christian name as Charlie.
“I’ve known ‘Chuck’ for 50 years and his real name is George,” said Joe.
“He was nicknamed ‘Chuck’ for his ability to chuck the ball over.
“I first met him when I came out of the army in 1958.
“Jim Boyland, of Shamrock, got in touch and asked me if I wanted to play for them that weekend.
“I was at centre-half and we were playing St Patrick’s in the Scottish Cup, with the Patties’ centre-forward none other than Chuck.
“He was a very good player, but we beat them 4-0 that day and I’m afraid I confess to giving Chuck quite a hard time.
“However, we met up in the pub (White’s) afterwards and soon got chatting.
“We’ve remained great friends ever since.”
