“On another subject, I am a fan of LOCHEE UNITED JUNIORS, but, unfortunately, I can’t see us winning the Super League East this season.
“However, I think we have a very good team and I’m sure we’ll still have a successful season. It’s funny how you start thinking differently when you get older. I’m 51 and, regarding football, I often think about things that wouldn’t even have crossed my mind 30 or 35 years ago.
“For example, as I said, I watch Lochee on a Saturday and think we’ve got a very good outfit on the pitch (thanks to Ray McKinnon).
“However, it’s obvious to me the club have got an even better and, arguably, far more skilful team that never kick a ball.
“I’m talking about people such as the committee and the groundstaff who sort out and look after the pitch.
“Then there are the ladies (the “Blue Belles”) who serve tea, pies, chips, and who also serve up mouth-watering meals to fans who buy hospitality tickets.
“Also others who deal with commercial activities down to washing the strips.
“I now appreciate the fact many people willingly give up a great deal of their time and put in enormous effort, often for very little or nothing in terms of remuneration.
“These heroes do this just to help their club survive.
“I’m sure the same is true for most other junior and amateur clubs throughout the land.”
See photo of the Blue Belles at foot of column.
“POORY” GAME A FITTING TRIBUTE
Derek Dunbar is keen to promote the Henry Dolan Memorial Cup match between POWRIE OLD BOYS and DUNDEE UNITED ALL STARS, which will take place at Fintry Park, Dundee, on Sunday, March 21, with a 2 pm KO.
“This match is in memory of Henry, who died of cancer in October 2002, and all monies raised will go to Cancer Research,” said Derek, well-known among the Pool fraternity in Dundee.
“Henry started his career at Dundee United under Jerry Kerr, where he was farmed out to Kirrie Thistle, before joining Violet Juniors for seven years.
“He played for Maryfield and finally ended up at North End, where, afer breaking his jaw, he retired and took up management of Powrie FC.
“He took ‘Poory’ from bottom of the Dundee Sunday Morning AFA Second Division to the top of the First, where they shared top spot with Nine Maidens, controversially losing the title on goal difference. Henry was always convinced that Powrie had the better goal record, but the DSMFA committee decided otherwise.
“One of the highlights of Henry’s reign was the 10-1 thrashing of Thomson Street Accies in a cup final after the first game was abandoned due to one of Accies’ players breaking his leg.
“One of the players who played under Henry (pictured at foot of column), and who went on to a higher level, was CHARLIE ADAM, of Dundee United, St Johnstone, Brechin, Partick Thistle, Montrose and various junior clubs.
“We’re pleased that Charlie will play in the game.
“Henry will always be regarded in Fintry with fondness by any player who came in contact with him, and I am sure it will be an emotional day for those who knew him well.
“From Sunday amateurs, Henry then went on to even bigger success when he led West Park Boys Club to many trophies during a 15-year stint.
“Indeed, a cup which bears his name is played for annually by local youth teams.
“Henry was a die-hard Dundee United fan all his life, a constant irritation to his brothers and dad, who were all Dark Blues. New year parties were always interesting events when football became the main topic.
“Sadly, Henry had to give up football when he became ill in 2001.”
Derek is keen for all former players and friends to get in touch before the game takes place.
He continued, “All players who played under Henry can contact me on 07541 931909 if they want to play in the match, or, alternatively Jim Martin at the Powrie Bar (502886).
“The match will be refereed by his daughter Helen Innes (see photo foot of column), who is a fully-qualified referee, and a trophy will be presented to the winning captain by his wife Doreen and other daughter Pamela, with brother Frank also taking part in proceedings.”
A buffet and karaoke will follow after the game in “The Poory”, along with raffles and auction.
HAVE WE SETTLED ON PHIL?
The identity of the “mystery” player featured over the last fortnight prompted JIM WELSH (jeemy1155@hotmail.com) to send in the original photo (see foot of column).
“Perhaps this might help identify the mystery player,” he said.
“The complete photo (I don’t know what happened to the ball) shows another three opposing players (and a young John Holt).
“I’m sure someone will identify the big lad at the back with the black mop of hair. Also, FRED WOOD was spot on with his logic. Andy Gray was transferred in September 1975 and United had played only Saints at that stage of the season.”
DAVE BLAIR, a Saints fan and SFA referee, commented, “Looking at the sideburns (quite a fashion icon in these days), it is definitely Phil Roberts of St Johnstone.
“The reader who thought it was Davie Holt was way off the mark, despite the Hearts man being a really good player.
“Please let us know the final outcome as it has produced so much interest among football fans in Tayside.”
I think the general consensus now is that it is Phil Roberts . . . unless, of course, YOU think differently.
