Dooley played with distinction for both Sheffield clubs — Wednesday and United.
“What many people might not be aware of is that Dooley played in the old Dundee Half-Holiday League,” said Ken, of Douglas, Dundee.
“He turned out for the RAF Leuchars team when he was stationed there in the early 1950s and, as you can imagine, was quite a goalscorer for them.
“Indeed, there was one particular game which stands out in my mind, as recalled by team-mate DAVIE FINNAN.
“We both played for the Meadowbank team and, on one occasion, the team went across to Fife to play the airmen at the base.
“On arrival, most of the playing area was set out for their annual sports day, which had just finished.
“Dooley, it was said, had won most of the races. Meadowbank thought that was good for them as he would be tired when playing.
“Not so, though, as he scored at least five.”
ANDY MORRIS, of Menzieshill, Dundee, also fondly remembered Dooley playing with the RAF side.
“He was the same age as me, which is now 78,” said Andy.
“He was, obviously, a great player.
“I always liked the trips to play RAF Leuchars as you always got a cup of tea after the game.
“I watched his career with interest and it was very sad when he gave up the game after breaking a leg against Preston North End in 1953, aged just 23.
“Gangrene set in and he eventually lost his right leg.”
Centre Strollers (aka Foreigners)
“I used to play for a Dundee Sunday League football team originally known as “Centre Strollers”, recalled ALAN WALKER, of Kinnaird Street, Arbroath.
“We later became Tay Centre and then Foreigners from around 1978 until about the mid-1980s.
“My wife and I moved to Arbroath in 1988 and I haven’t seen many of the lads from the team since.
“I would like to organise a one-off reunion in Dundee.
“I'm sure most of my former team-mates read your column. I certainly think it is brilliant.
“The ex-players I would ask to contact are — Kenny Brannan, brothers Gordon and Graham Hunter, brothers Alan and Derek Townsend, John Obzda, John Markie and Joe Kennedy.
“Also, Sean and Brian Scanlan, Bradley Barton, Bob Higgins, Billy McGinty, Owen Murdoch, Jim Falconer, Gordon Speight, Murray Reynolds and Ross Moir.
“Then there are Graeme Sandilands, George Burnett, Norrie Burns, Davie Fotheringham, Ian McConnachie, Ronnie Mudie, Gary Birmingham, Ian Beattie, Russell Fraser, Jim Glennie, Graeme Wilson, Ian Brown and Jake (surname unknown, who used to work for Kestrel).
“Any other ex-players would be more than welcome and I apologise if I have forgotten to mention anyone.
“My telephone number is 07842 618803.”
It’s the real thing . . . Coca-Cola reunion
Former player Mick Duthie is organising a reunion for the players who turned out for COCA-COLA FC from 1974 to 1978.
It’s in GJ’s, Mains Road, Dundee, tomorrow (April 12), and Mick has supplied two photos (below) of teams from that era.
Top photo (colour) — Back row — A. Culloch (manager), M. Duthie, R. Mitchell, J. Laing, J. McArthur, G. Davidson, R. Mawhinney. Front row — S. Hamilton, J. Hogg, B. Hurrell, G. Devine, G. Laing.
Bottom photo (black and white) — Back row — S. Hamilton, P. Urquhart, G. Davidson, R. Mitchell, J. Laing, M. Duthie, J. McArthur, D. Barrie, F. O’Rourke. Front row — J. Hogg, G. Laing, W. O’Rourke, D. Wemyss, G. Devine, B. Hurrell.
Contact Mick on 07816 050758.
