“My father Bobby Clark is in this team of what my mother thinks is a mix of juniors, professionals and referees,” said Grant.
“She can’t recall where it was taken and the reason for them playing together.
“My father is pictured in the back row (second from left) with Dundee United legend Jim McLean in front of him.
“She’s been trying to recall the other names.
“Dad played for Dundee Violet, Arbroath, Nairn County and Bedfordshire, and was capped once by Scotland Juniors.
“He also played in the Dundee Half-Holiday League, but I’m not sure with which team.
“It may have been Builders United as he was a ceramic tile fixer to trade.
“He also had a trial at Rangers, but was deemed too old by Bill Struth.
“Any info on the team line-up would be appreciated.”
So, the BwB vessel sailed into action once again, with the first port of call Radio Tay and a chat with local broadcasting legend DICK DONNELLY.
Dick immediately recognised the photo.
“That team was an invited XI. to open the Invergowrie AFC changing-rooms,” said Dick, who couldn’t, though, pinpoint the exact year.
The line-up is: Back row (from left) — Dick Donnelly, Bobby Clark, Harry Colville, George Bennett, Jimmy Reid, Davie Nicoll.
Front row — Bert Crockett, Jim McLean, Tom Lees, Doug Cowie, Vic Ruse.
Bert and Vic, of course, were legendary Dundee-based referees, with Tom Lees a favourite with wrestling fans under the name of Lee Thomas.
Doug Cowie needs no introduction and the former Scottish international was only last week inducted into Dundee FC’s first-ever Hall of Fame.
Around the time this photo was taken, he might have been assisting Jim McLean as a scout for Dundee United.
Davie Nicoll was a prison officer, and a close friend of Jim.
George Bennett was in charge of sports shops in the city for many years and was a good and generous friend to many amateur clubs.
Harry Colville, from memory, looks like the same player who played for Raith and Falkirk in the 1950s.
Finally, Jimmy Reid?
I don’t know anything about him, but he could be the same person who ran shops in Dundee.
If any reader can take this further, please get in touch.
SHOULD BE OFFICIALLY INCLUDED
After reading JIM KELLY’S story on March 13, Canada’s ROB BOAG asks the question . . . “Is Joe Brown the first capped international player from Lochee Harp?
“This is a difficult question because of the scarcity of detailed information from Lochee Harp and SJFA’s records for the year 1911.
“The SJFA does have the score for Scotland v. England game at Firhill in 1911 and it is on record as Scotland winning 2-1.
“Both Lochee Harp and SJFA list all Harp players honoured with international caps.
“There is only one Brown named in either list, and that is ANDY BROWN, who played for Lochee Harp in the 1930s.
“However, based on Jim Kelly’s impeccable-looking jersey and cap, also the associated family history handed down with them, I suggest Jim request an additional name — Joe Brown — be officially included to Lochee Harp’s list of players with international caps.
“The same request should be forwarded to the SJFA.
“If Jim can accomplish this, then Joe Brown would, indeed, be officially the first capped player for Lochee Harp, all other Harp players being capped after 1911.”
