“I thought you might be interested in this programme from 1955, which my father-in-law has the original,” he said.
“He’s a Blackpool supporter, and was at the match in question.
“The programme is interesting for a number of reasons, but primarily because of the Dundee/Perth/Fife connection.
“Out of the Blackpool team, two players have Dundee connections — JACKIE MUDIE and EWAN FENTON — while another, HUGH KELLY, was signed from Jeanfield Swifts, and ex-East Fifer ALLAN BROWN appeared at inside-left.
“There was also GEORGE FARM in goal, who went on to manage Dunfermline.
“My father-in-law has great memories of the Scots who played for Blackpool when he was watching them (he now lives in Hertfordshire), particularly Mudie.
“I was able to impress him a wee bit by mentioning that I had played a few games for Mudie’s old team, Lochee Harp, while I was at home from university in the early 1980s.
“Of course, the Dundee/Blackpool connection is now alive again with Fintry lad Charlie Adam proving to be a very influential player for Blackpool as they go for promotion to the Premier League this season.
“As I said earlier, the programme is also memorable for other reasons.
“1. The legendary Stan Matthews and Stan Mortensen played for Blackpool.
“2. The opposition, Manchester City, were shortly to appear in the FA Cup Final, when famously, ex-German POW Bert Trautmann broke his neck while making a save, but unwittingly played on.
“3. Man City also had Don Revie as centre-forward — who went on to become notorious for his Leeds United team, before bunking off to Saudi Arabia.
“In his playing days, though, he was a very influential and innovative ‘modern’ deep-lying centre.
“Of course, I never saw him play, but my father-in-law assures me he was a quality player.
“4. The advert for the train journey to London on the back page — “luncheon” supplied on the outward journey, “dinner” on the way back — football specials have changed a bit since then!
“Finally, Chelsea won the league that year, while Manchester City lost in the FA Cup Final — a not improbable outcome for the end of this season, too!”
FULL OF DE FOOES
TAM BOWEN, of Carnoustie, sent in an amusing ditty which he thinks might amuse BwB readers.
An Italian football team is a referee’s nightmare — because every single player has the same surname.
Everyone in the squad — which plays in one of Italy’s amateur leagues — shares the name DE FEO.
And the coach, secretary, doctor and all 12 sponsors of the Team De Feo club, in Serino, from the province of Avellino in southern Italy, also have the same name.
Just to add to the confusion, the team’s ground is located on Raffaele De Feo street in the town.
The team was set up by former Serie A player Maurizio De Feo (44), who intimates he is going to seek out Guinness World Records officials to see if the team can claim a world record.
Locals also say he is unlikely to run out of De Feo players to fill the team any time soon.
One said, “The name De Feo is as common in this region as Jones is in Wales.”
The town's mayor has wished the team well in their pursuit of a little publicity. His name . . . Gaetano De Feo.
MAYBE IT WAS TOMMY
BOB BLACKLAWS returned to Magnus Macdonald’s query of November 20 re Duncan Edwards playing at Dens.
“Could it be he is getting mixed up with fellow-Busby Babe TOMMY TAYLOR?
“He played centre for England B against Scotland B at Dens on a Wednesday afternoon in February 1956.
“Incidently, he was direct opposition to DANNY MALLOY, who, along with BILL BROWN, were Dundee’s representatives.”
ARNOT TEAM IN THEIR FINAL SEASON (60-61)
Lochee’s ANDY WALKER continues the “Arnot” theme of recent months and has sent in a photo.
“This is a team photo of the Arnot JFC in their last year in existence,” said Andy.
“It was taken in season 1960-61, the year they folded.
“They played their games at Beechwood Park as they just couldn’t find a ground of their own.
“The photo was actually taken at Beechwood Park.
“Martin Breen, who signed for Lochee United from Arnot, named the players (see photo below).
“Martin’s late father and brother gave Arnot many years’ service between them.”
Back row (from left) — J. Carver, I. Gillespie, J. Stark, K. Butchart, G. Breen, W. Crow, J. Miller.
Front — J. Bolton, T. McLaren, E. Thoms, M. Breen, H. Phillips.
USUAL FRIDAY SPOT
Blether with Brown returns to its usual FRIDAY spot as from next week (January 8)
