United’s ‘soccer juggler’ dies at the age of 81

Well-known player was equally famous for his shop in Dundee’s Seagate

A former Dundee United player, known as the “soccer juggler” has died at the age of 81 after a long illness.

Jimmy Reid had two spells at Tannadice, making 76 appearances and scoring 27 goals, between his debut in March 1955 and his return in 1960. The Dundee-born player opened a shop in the city’s Seagate after he retired.

Jimmy, who also had spells at Bury, Stockport County and East Fife during his career, died peacefully in Ballumbie Court Care Home on Monday following a long battle with dementia.

An old-fashioned inside forward, he was 5ft 4in and weighed just over 10 stone when he joined the then-Second Division club at the age of 18 from St Josephs.

Brought up at 63 Helmsdale Avenue, Jimmy was a skilful player who was described by Dundee FC legend turned Courier sportswriter Tommy Gallacher as having a “little touch of cheek which marks the classy player” and “a personality”.

Jimmy trained continuously throughout the summer months and his dedication paid off when he caught the eye of English clubs by scoring 16 goals for United during the first half of season 1956-57.

In January 1957 he moved to Bury where he tested himself against the likes of England and Fulham captain Johnny Haynes. He met his future wife, Freda, in a Bury dance hall.

Jimmy later moved to Stockport County, before returning to Tannadice for the 1959-60 season. He then appeared for East Fife and junior sides, before finally concentrating on his Seagate shop.

Daughter Tracy said her father was never happier than when he was haggling over a deal with generations of Dundonians, many of whom he counted as friends and not customers.

Schoolteacher Tracy, who taught at Carnoustie High School before moving to Greater Manchester, said: “He was a real Dundee character known by almost everybody from provosts to street cleaners – whom he treated exactly the same way.

“Going to Jimmy Reid’s Dundee shop in the Seagate was an institution for people of all ages, for almost 50 years. He will be sadly missed by a great many Dundonians, and of course all his family.”

He was predeceased by his wife, brothers Martin, Tommy and Peter and sister Margaret. He is survived by Tracy and grandchildren Neil, Suzanne and Scott.

Jimmy’s funeral will be held at St Columba’s Church in Dundee on October 17 at 10am, followed by a burial service at Balgay Cemetery at approximately 11.15am.

Jimmy Reid had two spells at Dundee United during his football career.