I support any memorial tribute to the great Hubbard

I’m all in favour of plans to erect some kind of memorial to the late and great Johnny Hubbard. I met him many times - and he always had a story to tell . He was just one of life’s - and football’s - great characters. In my Ayrshire Post days, I recall being dispatched to the old Dam Park Hall to get a quote about a forthcoming Rangers v Ayr

United fixture. And after I’d filled my notebook - we got to talking about his “Penalty King” nickname. “Aye - 65 goals from 68 penalties” he quipped. Needless to say, I wanted to get back to Christina’s Bar and tell the boys I’d saved a penalty . . by the “Penalty King” himself. There was a ball from the five- a- side games he hosted and we marked out some full sized goal posts. I was taking this so seriously - I even took my jacket and tie off! Johnny placed the ball on the spot and “bang” - it shot passed me, bounced off the wall behind me and was back with Johnny before I could even move. “Eh . . I wasn’t quite ready there Johnny . . let’s try another one”. “Bang”. He scored again. “Third time lucky?” I asked. “OK Shields - but this time I’ll use my other foot just to give you a chance”. I was so busy watching his feet that the result was inevitable. “Bang” - 3 - 0 to the Hubbard! Game over. Johnny Hubbard devoted his life to sport and the sporting community of Ayr and Prestwick. If it helps raise funds for his memorial - I’ll donate six bottle of South African wine for any raffle in his honour. But that Dam Park Hall day still annoys me. I knew I should have gone to the left for his second one!