Forfar to enjoy 40-year reunion by celebrating a ‘golden period’

Ian then rattled off some startling facts, starting: “Over this period, Forfar reached two national cup semi-finals and one quarter-final.

“They also won their first League Championship, and came within three points of reaching the Premier League.

“The club also crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 1980 and 1985 to tour Canada.

“During the various cup runs, teams from a higher league were unable to defeat Forfar such as Rangers, Hearts, St Mirren, Hamilton, Falkirk, Dundee United and

Queen of the South.”

Ian went on: “Some of the players and managers involved during that time have gone on to make their mark higher up the football ladder such as Archie Knox, Ian McPhee, Craig Brewster and Ray Farningham to name but a few.”

Ian revealed they are also using the event to remember our former Forfar player and dear friend Stevie Graham who sadly passed away last year.

“A great night is anticipated,” Ian enthused, “and attendees are coming from all over Scotland.

“Some of us have not seen each other for over 20 years.”

Ian supplied a team group of Forfar (above) from the early 1980s.

Back row (from left) – Alec Carswell, Ian McPhee, Mark Alexander,

Ray Farningham, Rab Morris, Colin Craig, Gerry Burns.

Middle row – Kenny Brown, Jimmy Allan, John Clark, Stewart Kennedy, Ian Boardley, Alex Brash, Neil Watt, Brian Rankin.

Front row – Gordon Leitch, Steve Hancock, John Mitchell, manager Alex Rae, Billy Bennett, Billy Gallagher, Tom O’Rourke.

See main story. Above – Players and officials of Forfar at Prestwick Airport in May 1980 prior to flying to a close-season tour of Canada. Left – Forfar Athletic team group from early 1980s.

Steve Graham.