Coalman Butch was a Black Diamond

IN reply to the “Butch” and North End Fives story on March 20, a relative of the main man responded.

We had asked for any information on Butch, including his first name.

Jackie Butchart revealed: “Butch was my uncle Geordie.

“He was a great character and he followed any team I played for apart from when Dundee FC were at home.

“I’m not sure if he played for any amateur or juvenile teams, but he always looked forward to the 5s, which, as you know, was a great tournament every year, with different rules such as corners counting, &c.

“Fives teams he played for were The Black Diamonds and, of course, Butch’s 5.

“My dad Frank played for St Clement’s and, briefly, Lochee Harp.

“Unfortunately, both are no longer with us, but they were both great men. They both worked on the coal lorries as well and I think there might have been a works team from there (read end of article).”

Jackie is well known in local amateur football and I asked him which teams he played for.

He revealed: “I played for Caird United, which was run by Brother Gabriel, who I think was one of the founder members of the Dundee Sunday Boys League.

“I then played for Fairmuir Boys, which was run by John Clenaghan.

“I next played for Fintry Juveniles, then Fintry Amateurs as the Juvenile League folded. I turned out for one season with YM Anchorage and, finally, I played many years for

Lawside FP, where I finished my football playing days.”

Edinburgh reader David Young also gave much the same info.

He said: “From memory, the full name of Butch was George Butchart.

“He was a coalman and the team he played for in the North End 5s were called The Black Diamonds – the perfect name for a team of coalmen.”