However, the main thing is they all have their team at heart — and you can sometimes pick up some great bits of banter and humour.
Such as the one I’m going to share with you.
It was taken from the www.dundee-mad.co.uk site and the topic was “Obscure Memories From Following The Dee”.
Obviously, many were of the unprintable variety in a newspaper such as the Tele, but here are some Dundee fans’ memories from around the last 50 years — and which I remember, too.
The transfer gate from the Provost Road terracing to the enclosure under the stand (for a small fee).
The half-time scoreboard in the T. C. Keay end. Scores came up early in the second half along side a letter, ie A 1-1, B 1-0, C 2-1 and so on.
You could find out which letter and score referred to which match only by consulting your programme, which, of, course, you had to buy.
The snack trolley that was wheeled around Dens and sold Chipmonk Crisps, Wagon Wheels and Kwenchy Cups.
The clock always being wrong on the floodlight between the T. C. Keay end and the stand.
The smell of pipes, “rolly-up” cigarettes and beer in the south enclosure.
The greyhound track.
The song “Downtown” by Petula Clark and “World Of Our Own” by The Seekers being played at half-time.
George “Dandy” McLean’s model wife Liz Cleland taking the kick-off at a testimonial or friendly.
Joe Gilroy appeared in a TV advert for Bilsland Bread long before the Beckhams of this world.
Gordon “Stubby” Wallace just failing to lob the keeper when we were 2-0 up against AC Milan.
Actually believing we could beat AC Milan 3-0.
Football special buses, locally known as “Dupis”, lining up in North Isla Street after the game.
A young fan’s big cousin forcing him to wait after the game, then collecting as many empty beer bottles as they could carry. He then took them to a shop and got money for them.
The young fan said he got nothing!
The T. C. Keay end at the time Rangers brought up their new fashion item . . . club bunnets. Sickening, but impressive.
Ballboys in tracksuits that didn’t fit.
Guys fainting or having fits and lying there for what seemed ages until the ambulance men arrived. Fans would then wave white handkerchiefs and formed a gap around the poor afflicted and continued watching the game.
Walking into town after the game and waiting for the late Sporting Post to come out.
Old British Rail restuarant cars.
Standing in the enclosure under the stand and hanging over the railings when the teams came out. Seeing players and ex-players there and getting their autographs.
Young fans getting a lift over the turnstiles.
Thousands of supporters walking down The Hilltown after games.
Buying The Sporting Post just as you leave the game with match reports that only went up to half-time.
Dogs and streakers on the pitch.
Fans changing ends at half-time behind the south enclosure — and no hint of trouble.
No segregation, with pockets of opposing fans scattered all over the ground — even more so when Rangers and Celtic were in town.
The pie stall in the Provost Road end where you could watch the game while waiting in the queue. No need for a TV.
And finally . . .
Being hit by a pie meant for TV commentator Archie McPherson.
CLEPINGTON U/18 FOOTBALLERS
ALEX KENNEDY sent in the picture below of the CLEPINGTON U/18 football team, taken around 1946-47.
“It was the article and photo (BwB, April 17) sent in by Bobby Clark’s son Grant that sent me digging for this photo.
“Bobby is in the the front row, behind the mascot. I’m behind Bobby.
“I am almost certain that he came to us (Clep) from Builders United.
“The mascot, I believe, was Mr O’Neill’s nephew.
“Perhaps a reader can fill in the two names I can’t remember.”
Alex named the following . . . Back row (from left) — Unknown, Cairns, Evans, Kennedy, Reid, Simpson, Daly, Mr O’Neill.
Front — Unknown, Simmons, Clark, Wallace, Rhynd.
