“A few weeks ago, work colleague HENRY (HARRY) SIMPSON, a fellow ex-Fintry boy showed me a selection of old photographs featuring various teams with weel-kent Fintry faces,” said Ross.
“His family were well known in footballing circles and, among the photographs is this one (above).
“Harry had no knowledge of the photograph or its origin. However, I am certain the player in the back row (extreme right) is my father, David Forbes.
“Sadly, he has passed away and I am unable to confirm this. Perhaps one of your readers can help.
“My father grew up in Linlathen and I know he played for Stobswell Juniors.
“His father, also David Forbes (originally Hindmarch Avenue, then Alloway Terrace) was a stalwart of the club from the 1930s and president of Stobswell in the 1950s.
“I believe my great-uncle Henry Forbes was also the trainer for a number of years.
“I also reckon there was a family link with the Barty family, who were also stalwarts of local football and, of course, dancing legends.
“I would be grateful if you or any of your readers can supply any further information.”
ANDY’S FINAL FIVES BOW
The weekly Tayside Works Fives, held every Monday evening at the University Grounds, Riverside, Dundee, will never be the same again.
That’s because one personality will now be missing.
Last Monday, ANDY HUTT (above) made his final bow.
When he ran out on the pitch for the final time in the colours of his PLANT GLAZING team, he completed an incredible 27 years, having been part of the inaugural set-up.
“I’ve been in the fives at Riverside since the league started 27 years ago and have served as the treasurer for 25 years,” said Andy, an English teacher at Lawside Academy, and who coaches some of the school teams.
Indeed, the U/15 side reached a final at Dens Park a couple of years ago.
Andy continued, “Having reached my 50th last year, my recent appearances have been sporadic — a bit like my performances over the years.
“I also feel the time is right to hand over the committee post to younger blood.”
A lifelong Dundee United fan, Andy also played the 11-a-side game on Sundays for teams such as Kestrel, Angus Thistle and Frames.
He’s also turned out on a Saturday for Dundee College and, most recently, Kelso second XI.
“The Kelso call was an emergency ‘can you play?’ situation, presumably because they couldn’t get anybody else,” Andy laughed.
He continued, “Mostly I played central defence, but I did play a few games as a striker, which I enjoyed.
“My football now will be of the indoor variety and will be confined to strolling about the Harris gym with fellow-teachers of a similar tempo as myself.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with the fives — half my life!
“There have been some decent players taking part, including Kenny McDonald (St Johnstone) and Marc Millar (Dunfermline).”
Andy lives in Millburn Park in the Claverhouse area of Dundee with “better-half” Susan and son Connor “14).
His two older kids Jess (22) and Jonny (18) have “left the coop”.
On another subject, Andy continued, “I loved the Kingsway Tech AFC photo a couple of weeks ago.
“As I said previously, I played for them a long time ago and still train with them sometimes, Sinky (George Sinclair) included.
“Also, keep up the Sporing Postbag — it’s well liked by all.”
BOURNER CAN’T REMEMBER
STUART HEATON, who works with BT, tells me he was “sitting reading BwB (online) in an office in Ipswich”.
Revealing he was a former Osborne player, he recalled, “Regarding the January 18 piece about Osborne looking to move to a new ground, I was with them as a young lad from about 16.
“I’m sure they must have folded around season 1976-77.
“By this time, I’d moved on to Broughty Athletic.
“The strange thing is I can’t remember anything about the Bourners moving grounds, but perhaps this happened after I had left.”
FORMER BUTTERBURN PLAYER
DAVIE WATSON emailed (mctavish@rogers.com) from his current home in Toronto, Canada.
“Regarding the Snug photo on January 25, was the Bobby Vance who sent in the photo an ex-Butterburn player?” he queried.
“I also saw JOHN CUSHNIE in the photo.
“He played with me in the 1958 Butterburn team which played in a final at Tannadice against SS Peter and Paul.
“John came to stay with me in Toronto not long after I moved out here.
“I left Dundee in 1967 and the last team I played for were Lochee Harp.
“I also played for Butterburn Youth Club alongside your colleague RON SCOTT (Sunday Post football writer).
“Pass on my regards to Ron.
“Your Friday column is great, and I can never get enough of it.”
SEEKING KIRKTON PHOTOS
BILL McCABE’S request in BwB last summer for information regarding players with any links to Kirkton was very successful.
Said Bill, “It was for our festival and it showed that, even with the stigma which Kirkton has lived with for many years, we can still claim to have been associated with many of the sporting individuals who have helped put the city of Dundee on the map.
“A local group are now collecting information for a book on the history of Kirkton and its people from 1945/46 up to the present day, covering every aspect of life on the estate.
“It is envisaged the sporting section will include profiles of the many senior and junior players who have any sort of links with Kirkton.
“We’ll be looking for names and dates, and any photos sent in will be scanned and returned.
“We will also be looking for any other residents with connections to other sporting achievements.
“The timetable is to have all information collected and ready for printing early in 2009, so we asked all current and former residents of Kirkton to start raking.
“Don’t miss the chance to be part of the Kirkton history.”
For further information, contact Doug Rennie or Catriona at Kirkton Community Centre. Telephone 01382 436453. Fax 01382 436321.
Email doug.rennie@ dundeecity.gov.uk
COMPETITION WINNERS — A PASSION FOR SURVIVAL
Ian Imrie, Marmion Drive, Glenrothes.
Jessie Pryde, Kenmore Terrace, Dundee.
Mary Butchart, Cart Place, Dundee.
L. Urquhart, Manor Place, Broughty Ferry.
Mr Robertson, Ardownie Street, Monifieth.
Stan Wilson, Leng Street, Dundee.
