Paul darkens Dee name in the week they mourn legend

DUNDEE fans of a certain vintage have been recalling the club’s halcyon days this month after the death of the legendary Alan Gilzean.

It was a reminder of a time when they were taking on the best on the continent with their European Cup semi-final against AC Milan in 1963.

They earned their place in that season’s competition after being crowned champions in Scotland for the only time in their history with Gilzean netting 27 goals.

Fans will pay their respects when they line the streets of Tayside at the former striker’s funeral on Friday.

The success of the 1960s helped establish Dundee as one of Scotland’s great clubs yet a current player again damaged their reputation this week.

Gilzean was described as a true gentleman in the numerous tributes that poured in and you can only imagine what he would have thought about the headlines created by midfielder Paul McGowan.

A week that will end with Gilzean being laid to rest started with McGowan escaping jail for his fifth assault conviction.

Every player is entitled to a second chance but it would take the 30-year-old leading Dundee to the type of success they enjoyed in the 60s to pay the club back for the loyalty they have shown to him.

McGowan admitted spitting on a bouncer at the city’s Underground nightclub following his side’s Player of the Year awards night last season.

He was placed on an electronic tag, ordered to carry out community service and pay his victim £200. It comes after previous convictions for assaulting a police officer and breach of the peace.

Club chairman John Nelms sat in court in 2015 along with then team-mates Jim McAlister and James McPake who turned out to show their support after he was convicted of assaulting a police officer for a third time.

Speaking in an interview weeks later, McGowan admitted: “I could have had no qualms if Dundee had told me that they were cancelling my contract.

“If I get into trouble again then I’ve given the gaffer my word that I will rip up my own contract and walk away.

“I won’t put the gaffer or John Nelms into a situation like that again. They don’t deserve that. I follow it through.”

But McGowan and Nelms were back in court together this week just

McGowan would have to lead Dee to success they enjoyed in 60s to pay the club back

over three years later as he was let off with a tag and curfew.

Dundee released a short statement saying it didn’t condone McGowan’s behaviour but vowing to support him. But for how long?

Former Dundee boss Paul Hartley, who signed McGowan, insisted “people don’t know his true character” in 2015.

And certainly when McGowan is put up for media duties there are few players who are more accommodating or straight talking.

On the park, it’s not difficult to see why Neil McCann or any boss would want him in his team and makes the club’s decision to stand by him easier but that loyalty can’t last forever.