Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
George’s ‘unpopular’ new signing ends up the cup final goal hero
final, the manager, the late George Kerr, a dear friend, brought in a new player to play in the final, Jimmy Sidey.
“Prior to the team line-up being announced, George wasn’t very popular with the players as no one knew who would be dropped from the first XI to accommodate the new player.”
Currently president of the Dundee and District Youth Association, Jim, 66, went on: “I can’t recall who was eventually left out but, as fate had it, Jimmy Sidey emerged the hero as he scored the only goal of the game to bring the cup home.
“It should be noted that our goalkeeper Graeme Curr had a great game in the final.
“We celebrated the victory later at the North End Social Club and, after a few drinks, George was also deemed a hero for bringing Jimmy into the squad.
“From not being popular earlier in the day, everyone was now singing George’s name.”
Jim, a retired master baker and who lives just outside Forfar, concluded: “There were lots of great memories with Maryfield with several trophies being won, including the Scottish Juvenile Cup, and the many celebrations in the North End Social Club.”
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FROM THE ARCHIVES...
Continuing to highlight local players joining senior clubs back in the day... It was reported that, in late April 1961, a 16-yearold Dundee Juvenile footballer signed for Celtic. Peter Gowans, described as a “freescoring inside-left”, signed for the Parkhead side from Shamrock Boys.
A few days previously, he scored a hat-trick for Celtic Reserves against a Charlie Tully select side.
Described as “Celticdaft”, he left his home at Dronley Avenue, Beechwood, Dundee, to join the Celtic ground staff.
Also alongside him in his St John’s school football team were
Andy Gearie and Jackie McAnearney, who signed for Dundee and
Sheffield Wednesday respectively.