Alan Gilzean “would have taken Man City side beyond brilliance”

at Dens that historic evening to witness a

Dee execution (8-1) of a European heavyweight, and to see Alan Gilzean for the first time.

“Alan is acclaimed for his goalscoring headers. But what impressed me that evening was Gilzean’s intelligence and awareness, especially in the box, with flicks, and passes that were perfect in timing and precision.

“When Alan Gilzean was transferred to White Hart Lane, I heard from Tottenham friends that he and Jimmy Greaves – the G-Men – had teamed up as an awesome goalscoring pair.”

Rob, ex-Lochee and now residing in Canada, then finished with an astonishing compliment to Gillie: “Late last season provided us with mesmerising football games – Manchester City v Real Madrid and Liverpool v Villarreal – and I wondered how Alan Gilzean would fit in with these world class teams?

“Man City would be the team to benefit from Alan’s style and intelligence of play. Gilzean would have taken City to beyond brilliance.”

DO YOU REMEMBER MITCH BAVIDGE

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... signing for Dundee FC.

Bavidge had netted 27 goals for Huntly United in the 1974-75 season despite being out for a 19-week spell through injury.

This prompted Dens boss Davie White to sign him in May 1975.

White said at the time: “He is another prospect for us up front, and you can never get enough of them.”

However, his year with the Dark Blues saw him play for the first team just once, a 2-1 home defeat by Hibs.

Four substitute appearances was his only other top-level involvement before he returned to the Highland League with Elgin City.

The Hillside Rangers from 1968. Back row (from left) – Jack Watson, Ray Mackeson, Dougie Gall, Brian Leslie, Neil Philips, Derek Marks, Alex Reid, Tom McMillan, Jim Philips. Front row – Brian Kidd, Mel Holden, John Thain, Mark Ritchie, Brian Russell.

Former Dundee player Alan Gilzean was part of this Tottenham Hotspur squad which won the 1967 FA Cup, beating Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley. Back row (from left) – Pat Jennings, Mike England, Cyril Knowles, Eddie Clayton, Alan Mullery, Joe Kinnear. Front row – Jimmy Robertson, Jimmy Greaves, Alan Gilzean, Dave Mackay, Terry Venables, Frank Saul, Cliff Jones. See main story.

Mitch Bavidge