Blether: Dundee amateur Ally’s first ‘wage’ was a packet of sweets
As stated last week, this edition hosts the first of many stories by remarkable local amateur football official Ally Martin.
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BLETHER: Chris remembers Craigmore side which was run by likeable ‘Pow’
Every now and then, a photo surfaces and is riddled with names I know personally.
Dundee author Craig’s work will feature in a collection of short stories
A Dundee writer’s work will feature in a national book, published to celebrate Book Week Scotland.
BLETHER: St Johnstone keeper enjoyed a Chinese meal before each match
St Johnstone fan Murray Blair, from Newport, sent in a tale about a former St Johnstone goalkeeper.
BLETHER: Arbroath’s famous 36-0 scoreline was almost eclipsed on same day – by one goal
Part 2 of Rob Boag’s tale from 1885 last week left us at the front door of the referee who officiated when Dundee Harp beat Aberdeen Rovers 35-0.
BLETHER: Ref and committee man had different tallies for famous 36-0 Arbroath win
Last week, Rob Boag gave a slightly different version of events to the one which sees a famous scoreline as a world record – Arbroath 36 Bon Accord 0.
BLETHER: Exhibition on Dundee United’s greatest gaffer, Jim McLean, is wonderful
Tannadice Park currently hosts a wonderful initiative as Dundee United remembers the glory years under their greatest-ever manager.
BLETHER: Rabbie reminisces about game in Carnoustie at old Westfield Park
The Dundee Schoolboys stories, which featured so prevalently in this column in February and March, was instigated by Rabbie Ogg.
Chelsea just couldn’t afford to play new Dundee United signing Jim
Gordon Johnstone asked for BwB to settle an argument.
BLETHER: Charlie George’s accident meant he couldn’t do throw-ins – or rude gestures!
The following, I’m assured, is true . . .
BLETHER: Differing feelings of Hampden compared to DC Thomson book
Steve Finan’s book “Lifted Over The Turnstiles” featured on January 5, and one reader’s reading of the “Hampden experience” was very different.
BLETHER: Dundee under-15s select side who won the Scottish Cup
The Dundee Schoolboys U/15 Select side which won the Scottish Cup in 1972 continues to attract comment.
Blether: Events of early December 1971 changed Dundee’s football landscape
The first few days of December 1971 were to change the shape of professional football in the city of Dundee for many, many years.
BLETHER: Two brothers played for Dundee, thinks fan Brian
Dundee supporter Brian Beaton reckoned two local brothers played for the Dens Park club in the late 1970s.
BLETHER: Davie told by Australian taxi driver that he played with Jimmy Rooney
When you are celebrating your 70th birthday, and you have taken your good lady to the other side of the world, the least you can hope for is a break from local football tales.
BLETHER: Manchester United legend Mark Hughes played for Wales and Bayern Munich on the same day
Football throws up many quirky tales. The following, I’m assured, is true . . .
BLETHER: Legendary game when team who were 5-1 down won 7-6!
Some football stories are legend.
BLETHER: Doug Berrie follows in his dad’s footsteps and signs for United
Continuing to look back on the information which appeared in newspapers when local footballers stepped up to the senior grade, when a former team-mate of mine first stepped up to the senior grade, this was how it was reported on April 26, 1960 . . .
BLETHER: Was Rolland sent off against Rangers?
Dubai-based Tom Anderson asked: “Was Dundee United legend Andy Rolland ever sent off against Rangers at Ibrox?
Blether: Dundee Violet player scored hat-trick on Scotland debut – but was never capped again
If the quiz question was: “Who was the former Dundee Violet junior player who scored a hat-trick on his debut for the Scotland international team?”, would you be able to answer that one?