Football grounds

New book on history of stadiums in Scotland

THE glory days of Tayside’s most iconic football grounds have been brought to life as part of a new book.

Lifted Over the Turnstiles by Steve Finan looks back at the stadiums of yesteryear — from Dens Park to Gayfield, Tannadice to Station Park.

As more and more teams move into new stadiums, the book focuses on the ritual of standing on some of the country’s most legendary terraces as well as the dramatic changes in modern day grounds.

Along with facts and anecdotes about the beautiful game, almost 200 photos of 42 senior Scottish football stadiums from the black and white era are included — some of which have never been published before.

A lifelong football fan, Steve was inspired by the countless Saturdays he spent on terraces throughout the country.

He said: “I was taken by my father to see my team from as early as I can remember. I was, as the book title says, ‘lifted over the turnstiles’. But then so was every other kid.

“In the ’50s and ’60s, children got into football grounds free and were passed down to the front of the jampacked terraces at some stadiums and sat on the perimeter wall or cinder path that surrounded the pitch. It was all a bit simpler then.

“My best childhood memories involve football. I was mesmerised by the noise, the songs, the movement of the crowd, the shouts and chants and the strange behaviour.

“Men would exult, they would scream their joy into the skies. Sometimes they’d even cry.

“I quickly became hooked. I loved it