Bill recalled, “It was back in November 1974 when I was Scout Leader of the 7th Dundee Troop, Jocky came along to a troop meeting to answer questions put by the boys.
“Jocky had just been appointed Dundee’s captain after 10 years at the club.
“He was accompanied by his great buddy Gordon Wallace.
“For nearly an hour, Jocky and, occasionally, Gordon spoke about their footballing lives in replying to over 40 queries posed by the scouts.”
The question and answer session was reported in the troop’s monthly magazine, The 7th’s Voice.
Bill continued, “His most interesting answer, when you consider his life since that evening, was to a question put by Brian Irvine.
“Brian had asked, ‘Do you want to be a manager when you retire from playing?
“Jocky replied, ‘No, that’ll be me completely finished with football.’
“Since then, of course, Jocky has spent over 20 years in managerial posts, including his three spells at Dens and periods with Aberdeen, Dunfermline, Arbroath, Hibs, Notts County, Raith Rovers, Plymouth and Danish club Viborg.
Some of the other questions which the 7th Scouts put to Jocky back in 1974 were:
Have you always been a forward?
Jocky — Yes, I’m not very good at tackling.
What’s the best match you’ve played in?
Last season’s League Cup final against Celtic. We won 1-0, thanks to a goal by Gordon.
What’s the most goals you’ve scored in a match?
Four against Arbroath.
What players would you most like to play alongside?
I would have liked to have played alongside Denis Law. Also Johan Cruyff, but, unfortunately, that’ll never happen.
What do you think of the crowd shouting at you?
I don’t worry about it nowadays, but when I was younger it used to get me down and I sometimes gestured towards them.
Does your son sometimes point out your mistakes on the field?
Do I look that old, he’s only two.
Were you sorry when Jim McLean went to Tannadice?
Yes, very disappointed. We had a very high regard for him, although some Dundee players, who are no longer with the club, didn’t. He gave us training that was enjoyable.
What’s the highest score by Dundee in a match you’ve played in?
9-2 v. Stranraer. But on tour in Australia, we won a game 16-1. I scored seven.
What’s your favourite football stadium?
Ibrox is good, but I prefer Dens, the playing surface is better.
Whom do you consider the best player in Scotland at the moment?
Kenny Dalglish.
What team would you like to be in if you weren’t with Dundee?
Celtic or Rangers in Scotland and any team in England.
Who in the world would you most like to meet?
Frank Sinatra.
Staying on the Jocky theme, former Tele Sports editor ED GORRIE, now retired, remembers Jocky’s debut for Dundee.
“Dundee were out of the reckoning of their League Cup group in season 1964-65 and then Dens manager BOBBY ANCELL decided to throw in a few youngsters — Ally Donaldson, John Phillips, Alex Totten and Jocky.
“Motherwell had beaten Dundee 3-0 just seven days previously, but didn’t know what hit them that night (August 26) at Dens as Dundee ran out 6-0 winners, with all the aforementioned youngsters performing well.
“Dundee’s scorers in that game were Bobby Waddell (3), Andy Penman (2, 1 pen.) and Alan Cousin.
“If I remember correctly, Jocky kept his place in the side for the next game against Falkirk at Brockville (an unchanged line-up) and was sent off in that match, which Dundee won 3-1.
“Again, if I remember correctly, Jocky lodged with Andy Penman in his early days at Dens, and I’m sure there is a photo of Andy and his wife serving him breakfast.”
See photo foot of column.
HELP WANTED WITH PLYMOUTH ARGYLE BOOK
Author STEVE RHODES, of Romsey, Hants, turns to BwB for assistance.
“I am writing a book about the Plymouth Argyle team of 1958-59, to celebrate the Golden Anniversary of their Third Division title win that season,” said Steve.
“In the squad was a Dundee-born goalkeeper called BOB WYLLIE.
“I wish to write a short biography on each of the players, including Bob.
“During my research, I came across a Blether With Brown feature from 2004 where SCOTT DRUMMOND sent in photo of his uncle, Bob Wyllie, with the FA Cup.
“I am anxious to speak to either Mr Drummond or any other relative, colleague or friend of the late Bob.
“I wish to do each player real justice and to make the account of each as accurate and interesting as possible.
“Contact me on stevrho@btinternet.com or on 07717 215318.
“Every email and voicemail will be answered. No piece of information is ruled out on the grounds of being too trivial.”
LOCHEE UNITED DUG UP THE SIX-YARD BOXES
After Kenneth Brannan’s piece last week on Lochee United, DAVIE BRUCE got in touch and revealed he still has the Bluebells at heart.
“Like everyone else in Dundee, I have been following United’s form and results in their latest challenge and wish them all the best tomorrow against Ayr United,” he said.
“I don’t think there will be much between them and home advantage might just be enough.
“Fingers crossed.
“Being a Dryburgh lad, I have some great memories of Lochee United’s “clubbie” and I can confirm that not only was Cassie (Willie Caswell) a slick mover but he was also a great crooner.
“Both Cassie and Danny (McAlpine) were class acts in the clubbie and on the park.
“I can remember the Dunipace game, but did not think there was 3500 at the match.
“However, I did realise it was a big crowd.
“The late Davie Mitchell (“Mr Lochee United”) probably paid our bonus that day with the gate money mostly in silver coins.
“I still see most of the lads when I am out and about working and socially in and around Dundee.
“Most have not changed much, just a few pounds here and there.
“However, Cassie just looks the same now as he does in the picture.
“I can confirm that we eventually lost 4-1 to Ashfield in the quarter-finals.
“I’m sure all Ashfield’s goals were scored by a player called Gus McMillan, who was a policeman and a junior internationalist.
“What I do remember clearly was the tremendous cheer we got when we walked across the dog track onto the park.
“You see, we had on what was virtually a Rangers strip and there must have been a lot of Ibrox supporters in the crowd.
“I can remember another Scottish Cup tie and I’m sure it was one of the early rounds played in January.
“We were to play Bo’ness, who were one of the favourites that year and had a junior international winger called Lex Shields.
“However, they were definitely not up for it. Maybe Shields had looked at Gordon Daly!
“I think we beat them 1-0, but what I remember most was that Thomson Park was definitely not playable.
“However, being one of the few games in Dundee, we were in with a chance of a big crowd.
“So our committee got the spades out and turned over the six-yard boxes, mixing the earth with sand.
“It worked and the game went ahead with a big crowd watching.
“Please tell Kenneth (Brannan) I was asking for him.”
NO MEDALS, BUT PLAYER’S MUM GAVE OUT LEMONADE
GERRY DIGNAN, Dundee Schools FA Primary secretary, comments on the JIMMY McINEARNEY story (Nov. 14), as relayed by ANDY WALKER.
“I am convinced the trophy is the Burgess Cup, but may have been called the A. C. Little Cup at one time,” said Gerry, who teaches at Craigowl Primary School in Dundee.
“This is the oldest primary trophy still being competed for.
“According to our records, this cup was won by SS Peter and Paul in 1946, and Liff Road in 1947 and 1950,
“St Mary’s Lochee were successful in 1948, while St Mary’s Forebank won it the following season.
“So, depending on the primary school he attended, he should be able to work out which one it is.”
Dundee FC fan Gerry continued, “I was also interested in his views on the weather (Jimmy didn’t fancy summer football).
“I have schools phoning on a match day asking if their game should go ahead as it is drizzling or a bit cold and so on.
“The best one was, ‘Think we should cancel the game today as it looks like it MIGHT rain.’
“That particular game went ahead.
“Unfortunately, school head teachers are worried about injuries and, with the type of society we live in, some parents would sue at the drop of a hat.
“However, I feel children are sometimes too protected.
“They actually LOVE playing in the rain. The wetter and muddier, the better.”
Back to the original query, and Dundee readers JOHN GALLACHER, of Granton Place, and ANDY HUGHES, both confirmed the photo was the ST MARY’S LOCHEE team.
“The unknown player was Jim McLean, who played centre-forward,” revealed John.
“Jim now stays in Monifieth.
“The goalkeeper’s name was given as Jim Whitemoss, but it should have been Wighton.
“Of the other players in the team, Frank Sandeman played senior for Brechin and Montrose, and also for St Joseph’s Juniors.
“Bob Mulholland also played for Lochee Harp and Jim Traynor is one of the brothers who ran Lochee United for years.
“Jim is still involved with the Bluebells.”
Andy also revealed most of the above, and added Jim Wighton came from Beechwood.
Birkhill’s PETER QUINN, formerly of Lochee, offered more detail.
“The photo was the St Mary’s Lochee team, and they beat St Mary’s Forebank 4-0 in the final of the A. C. Little Cup at North End Park, Dundee.
“The team that day was — Wighton; Traynor, Orr; Sandeman, McFarlane, Mulholland; Alexander, McInearney, McLean, Anderson, Kenny.
“Jim McFarlane was in the team only because regular centre-half Jim McFadyen was injured.
“The schools met again in the final the following year, with Forebank triumphing this time (2-1).”
Finally, BOB MULHOLLAND, who played in the final, got in touch.
Bob, who didn’t give me any contact details, confirmed most of the above, but bemoaned the fact the winning team didn’t get gongs.
“We didn’t receive any medals for winning the game, but did get a bottle of lemonade each from Frank Sandeman’s mother,” he revealed.
INFORMATION WANTED ON CELTIC’S DUNDEE DUFFY BROTHERS
LARRY KING recently came across an old Celtic FC handbook from season 1953-54 (see below), containing a list of signed players.
“On that list are two Dundee lads with the same surname,” said Larry.
“John Duffy signed from Dunkeld Amateurs in 1951, and David Duffy (pictured below) joined Celtic from St Joseph’s in 1952.
“I’m not certain, but I think Jackie (John) Duffy once played for the first team against Dundee at Dens.
“Neither of them became regulars in the Celtic first team, but I wonder what happened to them after they left Parkhead.
“Maybe some of your readers can take the story on.”
YM ANCHORAGE AFC (1940s-50s)
MARGARET PEACOCK, of Ravensby Park Gardens, Carnoustie, sent in photo below (second top).
Her late father-in-law WILLIAM (BILL) PEACOCK is seated first left, while her uncle ALLY DUNCAN is second left at the back.
Margaret would like BwB readers to assist in naming the rest of the players in the photo, in addition to confirming the year it was taken.
