“There are two things I would like to discuss,” said Kenneth.
“Firstly, in all the years I have read your column, the article about Freemasony is the only time I didn’t enjoy what I read.
“I have nothing against Freemasons, it’s just something I have no interest in whatsoever.
“I did not enjoy the article simply because it was about something I’m not remotely interested in.
“Secondly, on a different matter altogether, while watching Lochee United at Thomson Park recently, I was having a cup of tea at half-time with Billy Caswell and Martin Breen, both former stalwarts of Lochee United.
“Martin told me he knew my late father JACKIE BRANNAN for many years, way back from when my dad played for Carnoustie Panmure and Arnot.
“Sadly, I have lots of photos of my dad, but none at all from his football playing days. And I don’t know anything much about Arnot Juniors.
“I wonder if Blether With Brown can come up with some details of Arnot and, perhaps, a photo of my dad in that team?”
Sadly, details of Arnot are limited, but there were several photos of the team ranging from 1944 through to 1953, but none contained Jackie.
If any reader has a photo of an Arnot side with Kenneth’s dad in it, please send it in.
Meanwhile, see photo at top of page.
Canada’s ROB BOAG has commented on the Jack Johnston articles in previous editions.
“Thomas Stevenson’s critique is a bit harsh,” was the opening line of his latest offering, referring to TS’s response on August 7.
“The focal point of the BwB article that Thomas refers to, is Jack Johnson (arguably the greatest heavyweight champion in the history of boxing), his visit to Dundee, and the initiation into Freemasonry.
“Like it or not, this is a story which deserved to be told. It is a part of Dundee’s sporting and social history.”
Rob continued with kind words regarding this column.
“Over the years, BwB has evolved — through its readers and contributors — it is now the archive for Dundee’s sporting history,” he stated.
“BwB has offered an exceptional collection of photographs that portray and tell the story of Dundee’s sporting events better than words.
“Supported by brief descriptions, this column creates a pictorial sports tapestry for Dundee and Tayside and, thanks now to the internet, in many countries where exiled Dundonians hang out.”
DOUGIE MEETS HIS HERO, BUT WHERE’S KENNY STEWART?
My old journeyman from the 1960s DOUGIE FISHER sent in a photo (see below) of himself with one of his former heroes ALEX STUART, who played with Dundee FC in the 1960s and managed Montrose, St Johnstone and Ayr United, among others.
“We were both playing in a seniors golf match — Ballumbie Castle against Grange Monifieth — played at Monifieth on Tuesday, June 30,” said Doug, who I remember as a very, very funny guy, always up for a laugh.
Doug continued, “The real reason I’m getting in touch was to recall those halycon days when Bank Street Athletic had a formidable inter-departmental football team in the in-house league played on Tuesday evenings.
“Sometimes, when you were really, really struggling for a team, I had the privilege of playing alongside yourself, Dick Donnelly, Danny Mcalpine, Duncan Young, Tom Wilson, Howard Garden, Kenny Stewart and many others.
“They were all good footballers and some, like yourself and Dick Donnelly, played at a senior level.
“Do you know of the wherabouts of Kenny, who played for Lochee United juniors?
“He and I served apprenticeships with D. C. Thomson at the same time.”
I haven’t seen or heard of Kenny in decades and also remember him as a kind and supportive journeyman with a good sense of humour
He played for many years as a very good full-back with Lochee United, and left Dundee to work in Liverpool in the 1970s.
CYNTHIA SEEKS INFO
American resident CYNTHIA ROSS, from Geneseo, Illinois, is looking for information relating to her grandfather JOHN ROSS
“I am looking for info on John Ross, my grandfather, who possibly played football from 1890-1910.
“He was son of JAMES KEAY ROSS, and my grandmother was ANNA B. ROSS. There was another relative called TOM ROSS.
“One address given was 17 Buchanan Street, Dundee.
“I understand he played in Dundee and was famous, and went to USA to start a league from Brooklyn, New York.
“Any information would be great.”
She has enlisted the help of several people here, including the Dundee Registrars and DFC supporters website Deelicious (dfcdelicious. homestead.com).
Info gained so far reads that her grandad (Jock?) played for DFC against Celtic in the 1925 Cup Final, losing 2-1 in front of 75,137.
In his first season, he played 26 times, scoring two goals against Kilmarnock on February 15, 1922, and Dumbarton three days later.
These goals were his career total for Dundee, although to be fair, he was moved back into defence.
He was described by journalists at the time as “a gritty captain”.
He was also part of the successful Dundee FC team which toured Spain in 1923/24, defeating Real Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia amongst others.
Her father was born in the USA in 1913, which means grandad must have left for USA around 1900-1910 before returning to play for DFC.
Any other information would be gratefully received.
