The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Players picked a pint over a meeting with a princess
Michael Marra’s Hamish mention’s Monaco royal visit
She was the film star who became a princess.
After making her name in Hollywood, Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III of Monaco and retired from acting.
In 1981 the couple flew in to Scotland to stay with friends in Meigle before watching Monaco’s European Cup tie against Dundee United at Tannadice on September 30.
It would be her last visit to Britain, as she died a year later.
Dundee singer/songwriter Michael Marra alluded to Grace Kelly’s appearance in front of the Taylor Brothers Coal sign in the song Hamish, which he later recorded for United goalkeeper Hamish McAlpine’s testimonial.
Recalling the visit 35 years on, McAlpine said the players didn’t get to meet one of the world’s most famous women – preferring a pint to a princess.
McAlpine said: “We were 5-1 up when I misjudged a deep cross in the 89th minute.
“The boys were slagging me off but I said: ‘Look, we had to let them score or they wouldn’t turn up for the second game’.
“It might have been Monaco but we just treated it as another game.
“The return leg was when Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly came to Tannadice – but we didn’t meet them, I think we were more interested in getting to the pub after the game.
“Michael immortalised their visit in the song and it was absolutely true – there was a big sign that said Taylor Brothers Coal and I think that was where they were sitting.”
Big-haired 70s pop legend Leo Sayer later fell in love with the song and was just as intrigued by the goalkeeper who had inspired it.
He recorded his own version and even turned up in Dundee to ask locals if McAlpine was just like he was portrayed in the song.
It turned out he was and Sayer had a new hero to worship.
McAlpine said: “I was humbled when I read the lyrics and I thought, ‘This goalie must be damn good!’
“I should be sick of it but I still have a great affection for it.
“I know Leo Sayer recorded it and I remember hearing it but I didn’t realise Leo was such a big fan of mine.”
United regularly played in Europe during the Jim McLean glory years, but McAlpine said they just took every game as it came.
McAlpine said the team were unlucky not to win more trophies, especially in Europe, where they went close twice. He said: “These were massive teams we were playing but I think, over the piece, we gave a great account of ourselves in the European escapades.”
As for a singing date with Leo Sayer when he brings his tour to Perth next year, McAlpine is already warming up the vocal chords.
“I know that Leo is coming to the UK next year so he might yet get to sing it on the pitch at Tannadice – maybe I should warm up my throat and sing it with him.
“Leo singing it on the pitch at a promotion party – that wouldn’t be too bad.
“We just have to hope.”