Andy recalled a young PAUL STURROCK scoring five in one match for Bankfoot and asked BwB readers to respond if they knew of any player who emulated that feat or, indeed, did better.
DEREK DUNCAN (duncan.d1@blueyonder.co.uk) was one who did, responding, “I’m not sure if this is the record, but RONNIE KENNETH scored seven for Carnoustie Panmure against Forfar West End. I reckon it was late 1990s when he was in his first spell with the Gowfers.”
Dundee taxi driver NORRIE GALLAZZI also put forward a name — himself!
“I scored all six goals in a 6-3 win for Arbroath SC against Balbeggie at Victoria Park in 1979,” proclaimed Norrie proudly.
“Ian Cassells was the ASC manager at the time and I was playing in the centre. My team-mates at that time included Jimmy Myles, Brian Smith, Brian Chapman and Scott Gillespie.”
Norrie also played for Alyth and Elmwood, and continued, “In 1974, I scored over 50 goals for Alyth in one season.
“Another player to score over 50 that season was a young Bankfoot striker . . . Paul Sturrock!”
Lochee’s ANDY WALKER also came in with details of four players who netted five or more in one 90-minute session.
“PETER GOWANS hit five on his debut for Lochee United against Alyth around 1971,” said Andy. “And I also remember JOHN CLARK scoring five for North End against Lochee United in 1972. Around the same time, John also got another nap hand in another Dokens game, this time against Broughty.
“BRIAN ‘BIRDIE’ CRAIK went one better on Saturday, August 23, 1987, when he hit a double-hat-trick as Carnoustie thumped Jeanfield 9-3. Craik’s goals came in 5, 37, 43, 85, 88 and 90 minutes.
“On November 14, 1998, St Joseph’s were hammered 14-0 by Tayport, with striker KENNY CAMERON netting six.
“Kenny’s goals were scored in 5, 24, 68, 72, 85 and 89 minutes, the last counter from the penalty spot.”
See photos at foot of column.
CELTIC BOYS SUFFERED SAME FATE AS BRECHIN CITY
The recent sanctions imposed on Brechin City FC for fielding ineligible players, resulting in their dismissal from the Scottish Cup, reminded a reader about the time his boys club team were the victim of similar circumstances.
“It was in season 1984-85 and the Celtic Boys U/11 team was managed by Ronnie Rogers and Ged Dillon,” recalled JOE CARROLL, of Lochee, Dundee.
“Despite being top of the table at the end of the season, they lost the league championship after a protest by Fairmuir Boys.
“Celtic Boys had signed three players in the close season from the defunct Dee Club, not realising that an administration fee of 50p had to be paid.
“The Celtic side that season included Paul Gallacher, Paul Brady, John Harris, Ryan Carroll, Jimmy Byrne, Davie Walker, Michael O’Toole, Paul Whighton, Alan Healy, Ian Dillon, Steve Downs and Barry MacAnearney.
“Having beaten Fairmuir twice during the season, Celtic maintained their form and claimed the league title on the last day of the season . . . or so they thought.
“Fairmuir, lying second in the league, lodged a protest which the powers-that-be upheld.
“They ordered a one-off game played at Camperdown Park to decide who would be champions, which Celtic Boys lost.
“The whole Brechin-Hamilton saga just reminded me of this event from 23 years ago.”
FRANK McGINNIS
Several readers got in touch to tell me of the death of FRANK McGINNIS.
Frank was extremely well known in local football circles, especially as a talent spotter. He was also, of course, the father of ex-Dundee United and St Johnstone player Gary.
STEVE MITCHELL, match secretary of Brechin City FC, said, “Frank probably watched as many games in the Dundee area as anyone,” said Steve.
“He worked in the latter stages of his life for Brechin City as their chief scout.
“He played a leading role in attracting the likes of Marc Millar from Riverside Athletic, who was sold to Aberdeen for £60.000, and Scott Thomson, who was also sold to Aberdeen for £100,000.
“However, for every high-profile player Frank came across who went on to bigger and better things, there are many more in the Dundee area and beyond who were given the chance to move up a level, be it from amateur to junior, junior to senior or simply by being attached to a club on an S form, through Frank’s tireless efforts.
“One of Frank’s strengths was that he would follow up every ‘lead’ and a number of clubs benefited from his work over a lengthy period working in the game.
“I’m sure also he told me many years ago he previously had worked under Bill Shankly at Liverpool and, more recently, done work for Celtic.
“Frank was an exceptional talent spotter, but, above all, he was a real genuine gentleman.
“Everyone at Glebe Park would like to pass on our condolences to his family and friends at this sad time.”
Downfield Junior FC official ALEX DUNCAN was also high in his praise for Frank.
“In the 1960s, Frank ran Fintry Boys Club and several of that side went senior,” recalled Alex.
“The most famous was ALEX BRUCE, who went to Preston North End and had a lengthy career there. Alex was also involved in a move to Newcastle.
“From that 1960 team emerged NORRIE PORTER, who went to Liverpool, and who would later come back to play for Dundee United and Forfar Athletic.
“Another was DEREK MELDRUM, who signed for Luton Town as a 15-year-old.
“Most of the other players, including myself, went into junior football at an early age.
“He was a great guy and very knowledgable — and he went on to scout for several clubs, including Celtic.
“I remember one time he organised a friendly game against a team from the west coast.
“It was played on the pitch that used to be situated at Rodd Road.
“I can’t really remember the name of the opposition, but JOCK STEIN was in attendance, so it was probably one of the Celtic boys or youth teams.”
