When Dundee football success was cheered – in Perth

A crowd of thousands gathered at Perth Railway Station to hail the conquering heroes

There was a time when St Johnstone fans had the good grace to share in the footballing success of their Dundee neighbours.

When Dundee FC lifted the Scottish Cup in 1910, a crowd of thousands gathered at Perth Railway Station to hail the conquering heroes. I found it hard to believe too. Having spent my first eight years in Dundee before moving to Perth, I was steeped in the sporting rivalries that exist between the cities.

I have witnessed the stinging, crushing, eternal hurt Saint fans still feel when mention is made of Dundee FC’s 1962 league triumph at Muirton Park.

Still, Saints more than restored the Fair City’s pride when they humbled Dundee United in the Scottish Cup final of 2014.

So the 1910 account of magnanimity across the Tayside footballing divide came as a surprise.

Dundee triumphed over Clyde, at the third attempt, and travelled home from Glasgow by train. When they reached Perth that Wednesday night, thousands were lining the platform.

Our report stated “Perth rejoiced over the success of the club of the neighbouring town” amid great cheering. The scenes were repeated at points along the Carse of Gowrie, Invergowrie and Magdalen Green as the men of renown, these heroes of old, swept into the city just before 11pm. The crowd at Dundee West Station was said to have exceeded that which paraded through the city after the relief of Mafeking.

Union Street, Whitehall Street and the west part of Dock Street were a solid mass of humanity as the mighty victors struggled to get to their charabanc.

On Union Street, the horses were unhitched and joyous fans pulled the vehicle through the city centre.

On the way up Victoria Road, however, the axle gave way and the players, and Bailie Robertson carrying the cup, experienced rough usage as they walked to Dens. Bailie Robertson addressed the crowd at the stadium and wild celebrations carried on until 2am.

In Dundee’s cup-winning team was one Bob Crumley, grandfather of our columnist Jim Crumley. On Monday, Jim reminded me of his other footballing claim to fame. He played against Peter Lorimer at school.