On the Record
WITH ALAN McMILLAN
Q How many times was David Narey a losing Scottish Cup finalist with Dundee United? Grant Young. A Narey lost four Scottish Cup finals with United – in 1981 to Rangers, 1985 to Celtic, 1987 to St Mirren and 1988 to Celtic. Q Some older Blantyre Vics supporters think Billy McNeill signed for Celtic after a period with them in the junior grade, while others say he was on the books at Parkhead when they decided to farm him out to the Vics. Can you clarify the situation? Barry Gordon. A McNeill joined Celtic from Our Lady’s High School, Motherwell, where his form had won him a place in the Scotland Under-18 Schoolboy team that beat England 3-0 at Celtic Park on April 30, 1957. Other future professionals in that team were Craig Brown, Billy Little and Dave Hilley. On August 6 of that year, McNeill took part in Celtic’s public trial and so impressed senior player Bobby Collins that he called the 17-year-old “the greatest discovery Celtic have made in years”. Eleven days later, having been sent to the junior grade to gain experience, he played his first game for Blantyre Vics, a 3-3 draw at Vale of Clyde. Q In the Scottish Premiership, how many red cards have been shown to opposition players in games involving each team? Bill Millar. A Eight players have been sent off against both Aberdeen and Rangers, while five have been dismissed against Celtic, Kilmarnock and St Mirren. Three have been sent off against Dundee, Hearts and Livingston, while two have gone against Hibs, Motherwell and St Johnstone. That leaves Hamilton Accies who have had just one opposition player sent off against them. Q Was Derek Johnstone the only player in the Scotland squad not to get a game at the 1978 World Cup finals? Toby. A He was the only fit outfielder in the 22-man squad who did not play but injured defender Gordon McQueen did not feature either. Reserve keepers Jim Blyth and Bobby Clark were also unused. Q How many penalties have Rangers been awarded this season and would they still be in second place in the league without them? John Miller, Langholm. A Rangers have been awarded 13 in league games but spot-kicks were only crucial to the collection of four points – one against Hibs and three against Aberdeen – so they would have been second without them. Q Who was Liverpool manager before Bill Shankly and when he retired? TG. A Phil Taylor came before Shankly and Bob Paisley replaced him.