Issue 9

12TH MAN

the

THE SCOTTISH FOOTBALL FANZINE

ISSUE #9 NOVEMBER 2009 £1/£2 Online/Print

E FANS

BY TH S N A F E H T R O F

Rangers in Crisis

Administration | Buy-out | Bank run

+

FOR & AGAINST LEGEND OF SCOTLAND

& HUGHIE GALLACHER

Q &A | Shit Shot Mungo | Scotland CP Team | Fort William

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The Dugout The irate ramblings of our editor and dictator....

W

elcome to another issue of The 12th Man Scottish football fanzine.

The big news this month is the news that Rangers are in serious financial crisis.

With Walter Smith finally breaking free of the party line and stating that the club is being run by the bank, that started all the talk of administration and fire sales at the Ibrox club. Even before this broke, we had taken the decision to write an article on the state of the club in anticipation of the accounts being released in the second week of November - if they are.

Acknowledgements Editor: Andy M. Design & Layout: Andy M. Proof Reading: Lyndon N. CONTRIBUTORS

Alan Temple, Mike Smith, Derek Harvie, Glen McMahon, Dotmund, Two Hundred Percent, Andrew Harrow, Craig Stephen, James Atkinson, Peter Joyce, Iain Robertson, Grant Milne and Wolfgang Berger.

All material unless otherwise stated is copyrighted so if you would like to re-produce any content please contact us first for written permission.

The views expressed are not necessarily those of the editorial staff and you have the right to reply.

The 12th Man is a 100% Independent publication for Scottish Football Fans by Scottish Football Fans.

The 12th Man accepts no responsibility for services offered by Advertisers. We welcome contributors in the form of emails, articles, cartoons, photos and snippets.

With Scottish football AGAIN taking a hammering from our own pundits and The12th Man is in no way connected to any club or fans, THAT debate at Stirling University organisation in Scottish Football. Scotzine.com publishes took place and as per usual the SFA The12th Man and has done so since June 2007. are claiming that everyone think its their fault and Chief Executive Gordon Smith ENQUIRIES childishly stated as much at the start - in Email: mail@scotzine.com Instant Messaging: scotzine@hotmail.co.uk sarcastic mood.

The Scotland National side failed to reach the World Cup in South Africa after a poor qualification round. But at least some Scots will be representing Scotland in a World Cup - the Cerebral Palsy team - travel to Holland to play in the Dark Blue jersey.

Three of our writers debate the possible re-introduction of Alcohol into Scottish stadiums. And Euan Wallace looks at Fort William and the stalled Amercian reality tv dream.

We also profile Aberdeen & Scotland’s legendary keeper Jim Leighton, as well as the tragic genius of Hughie Gallacher.

We hope you enjoy this issue, remember you can send in your comments via letters@scotzine.com. Until the next issue, Andy M, Editor

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Any correspondence sent to ‘The 12th Man’ may be printed in full within our ‘letters’ section and responded to by the relevant writer in question or by the Editor.

You can order the next issue by going to the fanzine secton at www.scotzine.com.

All articles are correct at the time of writing and going to print and all views are those of the writer who expressed them.

Scotzine.com and The 12th Man back the following organisations: Kick Out Bigotry One Scotland: No Place for Racism Nil by Mouth Give Racism the Red Card You have the right to reply to any articles within this fanzine and can do so via our dedicated email section at letters@scotzine.com.

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26 38

Hughie Gallacher Tragic Genius

Contents 5

Scotland CP National Team

We profile the Cerebral Palsy Scotland National side as they get ready for the World Cup in Holland.

11

Rangers in Crisis?

We take a look at the problems that are hitting Rangers football club.

21

Shit Shot Mungo

Another episode of the football comic strip following Mungo’s misfortunes.

For & Against: The Alcohol debate

22

Scottish Football’s not that bad - honest!

That debate at Stirling University.

26

For & Against: Reintroduction of Alcohol

Three of our writers tackle the subject of bringing booze back into the game.

5

Cerebral Palsy National Team

32

Legends of Scotland

We profile another Scottish legend, this time Aberdeen hero Jim Leighton.

34

What’s the Score?

Mike Smith tackles another subject within his column.

36

Fort William’s American Dream

Euan Wallace looks at Fort William’s first win and the reality show that has stalled.

38

Hughie Gallacher

The story of the tragic football genius who took his own life.

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Text | Stuart Sharp | SFA National Development Manager - Disability

Scotlandral Palsy National Team Cereb

D

espite all the current doom and gloom Up and down the country soccer centres surrounding Scottish football there is and regional development squads are one national team who will definitely be being established where players of all flying the flag at a world cup this year. ages and with all sorts of disabilities can actively participate in football.

The Cerebral Palsy Scotland squad will fly out to Holland come October to The programme also boasts an compete in the CPISRA International impressive Player Development Pathway Championships- the very tournament we that allows many players to maximise finished 6th at two years ago. their potential by working towards playing at international level.

To add to the buzz surrounding the disability game the Scottish FA are In particular the CP programme, for awaiting confirmation that they will host players with cerebral palsy or who have the CP European Championships in acquired brain injuries or had a stroke, Glasgow next year. has a strong player pathway and now a competitive national side.

Since the inception of a Disability Football Development Officer post at the Scottish In the early days of the programme FA, funded in partnership with Scottish Disability Manager Stuart Sharp took Disability Sport, the game has boomed an inexperienced Scotland side to the across Scotland.

European Championships. Although they didn’t fair well in that tournament the side www.scotzine.com 5

picked up enough points to raise their added Stuart “is we aren’t unknown ranking and be invited to the next World anymore.”

Championships in Brazil.

“Other teams are aware of the success “We scored a goal almost in the last we have had and our ranking is now 6th minute of our last game and that was in Europe so no one will take us lightly. enough to gain us a place in the next World Championships,” he said.

“But we have been preparing well and are thoroughly “At that point we looking forward to were a technically the challenge.” poor side with very little experience, While George however we were Burley has a organised tactically plethora of players and that saw us playing across the through the Euros. country to pick from selection is a bit “We then had a trickier for Stuart year to prepare for Sharp’s. the Championships in Brazil and in that While the game space we managed is growing Stuart to raise our profile believes there is and attract a still a whole lot of number of strong untapped talent players who added in Scotland where to our squad. the message of the opportunities available just hasn’t “We worked hard on a conditioning and reached. technical programme and by the time we arrived in Rio de Janeiro we were a “We are always trying to recruit new transformed side. players to join all our programmes,” said the Disability Manager.

“We won our first game 1-0 against Argentina which was a huge upset and “In particular if we are to get the European went on to finish 6th in the tournament.

Championships next year we will be on a big drive to get more players playing “We were the highest placed home nation around and even at that tournament. side even though we were the last to get involved in the game which was a huge “I’d encourage anyone with a disability or achievement.” who knows of someone with a disability to get in touch.”

The pathway for CP football also incorporates a ‘future’ squad who along The disability programme is always with members of the A squad recently looking for new players of all ages and spent a week at a training camp in ability to get involved. To learn more Portugal, courtesy of funding from the visit the Football Development section Leonardo Da Vinci Fund. of www.scottishfa.co.uk or email stuart.

The side will also play a home nations sharp@scottishfa.co.uk tournament in Largs as part of their final preparations before leaving for Holland.

The CPISRA International Championship “The problem we have this time round,” in Holland runs from the 20th October to the 1st November.

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What is Cerebral Palsy?

walking, feeding, talking or using their hands. Some people are unable to sit up without support and need constant Cerebral Palsy (CP) is not a disease enabling. or an illness. It is the description of a physical impairment that affects Sometimes other parts of the brain are also affected, resulting in sight, hearing, movement. perception and learning difficulties.

The movement problems vary from Between a quarter and a third of children barely noticeable to extremely severe. and adolescents, and about a tenth of adults, are also affected by epilepsy.

No two people with CP are the same; it is as individual as people themselves. People with CP often have difficulty controlling their movement and facial “Cerebral Palsy” includes a variety expressions. This does not necessarily of conditions. The three main types mean that their mental abilities are in correspond to injuries to different parts any way impaired. Some are of higher than average intelligence, other people of the brain: with CP have moderate or severe • People with spastic CP find that learning difficulties. Most, like most some muscles become very stiff people without CP, are of average and weak, especially under effort. intelligence.

This can affect their control of Is there a cure? movement.

• People with athetoid CP have some loss of control of their posture, No, but we do know that correct and they tend to make unwanted treatment from an early age can ease the effects of cp. Occasionally children movements.

• People with ataxic CP usually have who appear to have cp lose the signs as problems with balance. They may they get older. Most importantly, having also have shaky hand movements a disability does not mean that someone cannot lead a full and independent life. and irregular speech.

Definition provided by Scope.co.uk

How does it happen?

How prevalent is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral Palsy is most commonly the result of failure of a part of the brain to develop, either before birth or in early childhood. This is sometimes because of a blocked blood vessel, complications in labour, extreme prematurity or illness just after birth.

Infections during pregnancy, or infancy and early childhood, eg meningitis or encephalitis, can also cause CP. Occasionally it is due to an inherited disorder.

Improvements in maternity services and neonatal care have meant that fewer babies develop CP as a result of lack of oxygen (from difficulties at birth) or jaundice, but they have also meant that more babies with very low birth weights survive. These babies are more likely to have CP.

In recent years there has been a slight increase in the proportion of children who have CP; currently about one in every 400 is affected. Among these, the percentage of severely and multiply What are the effects? disabled people needing support The main effect of CP is difficulty in is growing. That need will continue movement. Many people with CP are throughout their lives. hardly affected, others have problems www.scotzine.com 7

Text | Craig Anderson

Interview with the players T

he 12th Man got hold of some members of the Cerebral Palsy side to talk about their participation in the World Cup and representing Scotland. Scott Troop, Jonathan Paterson and Graeme Paterson.

Q&A with Scott Troop Age: 38 Position: Right back / defence / midfielder From: Edinburgh Club: Unattached Supports: Hearts

in the middle of the park.

CA: After some good results in the build up to the World Cup, do we have a chance of winning it?

ST: Realistically and honestly, no, I don’t think we can win it. There are full-time teams here better prepared for an event like this.

However, I think we are well placed to go for sixth place as we did when we were in Brazil, and I’d be disappointed if we didn’t achieve that.

CA: How are you enjoying being in Holland ahead of the tournament?

Everyone, from the staff to the boys, work really hard and I don’t think it’s long ST: It’s been great since we got here and before this team are challenging at the the facilities have been excellent. We’re top end of things. looking forward to being involved in the tournament and all the lads are excited CA: Who are the teams to beat in the about being here and taking part. tournament?

CA: How does it feel to be playing for ST:The Russians and the Ukrainians are Scotland in a World Cup? two for a start, having been gold and silver medallists in the Beijing Paralympics.

ST: For me, it’s an absolute honour Other teams such as Brazil and the Dutch and I feel very privileged. Every time carry their own threat as well.

I’m selected for a friendly or a major tournament, it’s a thrill to pull on that Although we’re in a group with Russia Scotland jersey. and the USA, we’ll be looking to progress to the next round and, if it all works out, It’s a dream come true and one I absolutely we could play Ukraine, Republic of Ireland enjoy every time the opportunity comes and Holland. around.

CA: What is it like to do something you CA: Who are your football idols? enjoy while raising awareness of your condition?

ST: The lads and I were talking about a “Dream XI” and I mentioned Diego ST: To me, combining the two is Maradona, who was absolutely brilliant paramount. I’m a little different from the and I managed to see him play. other lads, who were born with a condition, as I suffered a stroke in 2006 and it’s If you’re talking about in a Scotland jersey, important to convey the message that then Kenny Dalglish was a favourite of sport can still happen despite disability. mine and a battler like Graeme Souness 8 www.scotzine.com

Following my stroke and after seven or this tournament allows us to test ourselves eight months of rehab, that’s when I got against very best. involved and even now I’m always telling people about the opportunities in sport CA: Who are your football idols? and that there is always a way forward.

JP: To be honest, the one guy I’ve looked Being involved after what happened to up to is my big brother, Nicky, who has me and being able to talk about gives me played for Motherwell and Hamilton and immense pleasure. I was grateful to just is currently playing in America with Austin be given the chance and I can only say Aztex. He’s doing everything I’ve always thank you to the people that allowed me wanted to do. to do that.

The other player I admire is David Beckham and I think he’s one of the Q&A with JONATHAN players that a lot of players would like to PATERSON live up to.

Age: 21 Position: Central midfield From: Motherwell Club: East Kilbride Football Club Supports: Motherwell

CA: After some good results in the build up to the World Cup, do we have a chance of winning it?

CA: How are you enjoying being in JP: I would love to say right now as Holland ahead of the tournament? captain that I think we can win it, but the standards are higher among other teams JP: It’s the first time I’ve been in Holland, and the players have been together for a having been all over the world since I long, long time. became involved with the set-up.

For us to actually win the competition It’s always good to experience a new would be difficult I have to confess, but environment and new surroundings going for sixth place is a realistic aim for and I’ve found it similar to Scotland, but us and I’d be pleased if we finished in that without the rain. position by the end.

CA: How does it feel to be playing for CA: Who are the teams to beat in the Scotland in a World Cup? tournament?

JP: I first got involved in the European Championships in 2006 and I was a lot younger then so I took a lot of it in my stride and loved every minute.

Now I’m older and the captain of the side, it’s been an incredible journey to go from playing football with my friends to captaining my country at major tournaments.

JP: Russia and Ukraine are the obvious ones certainly, but we’ve got Russia in the first game and if we can cause an upset, it would give us a great boost for the tournament.

If we don’t get anything from that, then we have a tough game with another top side in the USA, which would become a must-win for us, so those are the teams we have to watch for.

It may be disability football, but people would be surprised at just how high a CA: What is it like to do something you standard it is, and coming to Holland for enjoy while raising awareness of your www.scotzine.com 9

condition?

fascinating to watch.

JP: Before I got involved, I hadn’t heard of disability football, but now that I’ve been involved I promote it as much as I can, especially to people with cerebral palsy.

I tell them about all the experiences they could have through playing football.

Ally McCoist was also a particular favourite of mine and he scored a lot of goals in his time. I enjoyed watching him as well.

CA: After some good results in the build up to the World Cup, do we have After returning from Brazil, we got in a chance of winning it? three or four new players and we’re always looking to get in more bodies and GP: I don’t think we can win the World get more competition for places, so it’s Cup, to be honest, but apart from the top important we get the message across. two or three, I think we could go for third or fourth.

Q&A with gRAEME PATERSON Age: 20 Position: Full back or a winger From: Duns in the Borders Club: Unattached Supports: Rangers

The build-up’s been crucial to where we are, but Russia, Ukraine and Iran are all countries that are expected to do well and I think they’ll be up there.

I feel we should only worry about ourselves though and not get too bothered about CA: How are you enjoying being in what the other teams are doing.

Holland ahead of the tournament?

CA: Who are the teams to beat in the GP: It’s a great experience and I’m taking tournament? everything in as we get used to being here. Plus our first game is only days GP: As I said, Russia, Ukraine and Iran away, so I’m getting excited about that. are the three teams to watch, but if we can get anything from our first game then CA: How does it feel to be playing for anything could happen.

Scotland in a World Cup? CA: What is it like to do something you GP: I would like to think anybody would enjoy while raising awareness of your like to represent Scotland at any level at condition? any sport and for me, to do it with a brain injury or cerebral palsy is a dream come GP: It’s fantastic and people that don’t true and it’s something I always wanted know me don’t know I have a disability, to do. but they are taking notice because the team has done so well.

To be honest, I ruled it out when I discovered I had a disability, but I got the People are asking me in the street about chance to take part and I’m honoured how we’re getting on and giving us their now to be part of it. best wishes so it shows that there is more awareness about what we’re doing.

CA: Who are your football idols?

GP: Zinedine Zidane was one of my idols as I was growing up and he was always 10 www.scotzine.com

Text | Andy Muirhead

RANGERS IN CRISIS?

T

he Ibrox side may be reigning SPL Champions, but last season’s title win just papered over the cracks. Financial instability, pressure from the bank to sell their players, rising interest payments on the club’s debt, Walter Smith demanding money or he’s gone, not to mention board members quitting – all in all it is a sad state of affairs for a club that claims to be the most successful British club.

[Although according to the stats, Linfield hold that honour.]

With the world in a state of crisis given the incompetence of the world’s bankers, football was hit hard, especially in Scotland.

However, despite clubs such as Stirling Albion, Clyde, Stranraer and Livingston all teetering on the brink of liquidation, one club seemed to fly under much of the media’s radar. Yes, it was mentioned that

the club had a debt of around £25 million; yes, it was also mentioned that the club had to sell players and were not bringing in anyone to replace them; and for two transfer windows the Ibrox side have not bought a single player, proving just how bad the situation is at Rangers football club. Yet still no dramatic ‘cracked-crest’ images or articles damning the way the club has been run.

That one side of the Old Firm could not manage to strengthen their side two windows on the trot should have had the fans panicking. Yes, they were celebrating their first title victory in four years, but that can barely conceal the deeper malaise.

But despite the alarming facts becoming increasing evident, Rangers fan appear to be deluding themselves. www.scotzine.com 11

The club spent big after the FBK Kaunas debacle, spending close to £12 million.

Yes, they sold Carlos Cuellar to Aston Villa for £7.8 million, but that wasn’t one lump sum. It was to be paid in instalments and also based on bonus payments. Likewise the sale of Alan Hutton to Spurs for £9 million at the end of January 2008: that fee is due to be spread over a 29-month period up to June 2010.

3,000 shareholders investing in the issue, a massive £50,000,000 of that was paid

by Murray, or should I say “allegedly” paid by one of Murray’s umbrella companies.

That £50,000,000 was another bank loan, but on this occasion it was not held by Rangers Football Club, but allegedly by one of Murray International Holding’s subsidiary companies. While the official debt stands at around £25,000,000, if you While both transfers helped the club in took into consideration this £50 million terms of reducing the debt, neither has had invested though a bank loan, then the any major impact as the debt continues club debt stands at £75,000,000. to rise at Ibrox. Last Christmas, Rangers’ stood at around £25 million according to The former Chairman had been looking the half-yearly financial report. That two- to sell the club for the best part of three page – including the cover – document years, if not longer. The huge spending made for grim reading, with rumours power that Rangers and Murray himself of the Bank of Scotland stepping in to issued during the Dick Advocaat reign to force Murray to sell Rangers’ top stars to buy European success – which never reduce the sizeable debt. In January no came – has cost Rangers not only in the such sales took place, despite Rangers short term but also in the long term. No accepting a bid for striker Kris Boyd. His longer can the club go out and spend £5 failure to agree to a deal from Birmingham million on a single player; no longer can City helped Rangers win the title, but the they look forward to attracting the best money problems remain. talent to Ibrox. While this may have a lot to do with the state of Scottish Football In fact, the second part of the year’s and the wages on offer down south, it is financial report has been posted as alarming that they cannot compete with missing and is supposed to be out in middle-of-the-road English Championship November. The reason for the delay? sides or lower for talent, both in term of Well, we can all speculate, but it is alleged wages and in transfer budgets. that the delay was meant so that the club could incorporate the SPL championship The New Chairman – a title in name money, TV revenue and any transfer fees alone taken in by the club into the report, as well as the reduced costs with the culling of So the new chairman Alastair Johnston, many fringe players from the books. who has been given the job of finding a buyer for the club – as Murray looks to Until the report is published, it is all still finally wash his hands of the club – gave guess work, but to delay a half-yearly his first press conference. And for a highreport for close to six months, indeed powered businessman, he sounded more to the time when the following season’s like stuttering Gareth Gates during his report is due, can only arouse suspicion first TV appearance on Popstars, rather that someone is trying to hide something. than the man who would take Rangers forward. His main role at the club is not Rumours persist on fan forums that the the day-to-day running of it, but finding level of debt is much more than has a suitable buyer – hence the growing been published so far. Many refer to the conspiracy theory that the bank has rights issue of November 2004, when a stepped in and demanded Murray to step total of £51,430,995 was raised by 3,000 down and for them to install a puppet to shareholders. However, the breakdown rule the roost till a buyer is found. of that investment reveals that despite

For a club of Rangers’ size to have a Chairman who does not have any dealings with day-to-day club affairs is truly mysterious. What is even more baffling is his unwillingness to actually attend a game at Ibrox – although given that this is the worst start for Rangers in 15 years, you might give him that one.

But for a Rangers Chairman to miss the biggest game of the season so far – against rivals Celtic – is damaging not only to the club, but also to the man himself. With the club demanding £40 a ticket for European games against Seville, Stuttgart and Unirea in the Champions League, not to mention the Season ticket prices, it is actually disrespectful and disheartening to the Rangers fans to see their figurehead not show his support to the club, the players or the fans on that day. In fact, after his appointment was announced after the unveiling of the SPL Championship flag, he failed to turn up to a single Ibrox game until Aberdeen visited Rangers. And even then, it was apparent that he was only there at the behest of Martin Bain, after ripples of discontent swept through the support that he was ”not showing the necessary loyalty to the Gers cause”.

have used that fabled line over and over again for decades as a precursor to a scandal about to hit the headlines or being forced out of office.

Murray’s departure certainly looks a lot more like a ‘rat deserting a sinking ship’ and being forced out. Not only was the half yearly financial report delayed, but the appointment of a successor who had no other role at the club but to find a buyer, is certainly giving off that whiff of a big story brewing come the publication of the financial report.

Murray stated in the past that he had been close to selling the club, and at one stage the pen was hovering over the contract ready to sign when he asked the potential owners what they were going to do with the club. His excuse for rejecting their buyout down to their plan to asset strip the club is totally idiotic, given that the man has already stripped Rangers Football club of the majority of its main assets.

And besides, why did Murray leave it to the last minute to ask the potential buyers what they were going to do with the club? Wouldn’t a savvy businessman (insert your own joke here) with decades of experience at the top, of buying and The Chairman’s job at Rangers is now selling companies – wouldn’t his first little more than a title. The fact that he is question be, ‘What are you planning to do not actually running the club is indicative with the business if I sell to you?’ of the current levels of ineptitude and incompetence behind the scenes at Ibrox. I put it to you that the only reason why no potential buyer has came forth is down But, you may ask, why you have not read to Murray holding a massive 90% of the about this in the papers? Well, other than club and demanding a fee much higher one or two journalists in the mainstream than the club is actually worth. Put this media, you will not find a single hack who together with years of apparent financial will lambaste Rangers for their dealings, incompetence, some might say assetnor for their financial incompetence, stripping on the part of Sir David, and the for fear of losing their privileges when club’s huge level of debt, and only a fool attending Ibrox or the stories they receive would put in bid to match Murray’s inflated on the side from club officials and players valuation. alike.

Ultimatum – The threat of The official party line for Murray’s Administration departure was that age-old excuse of spending time with his family and While the majority of newspapers deflect concentrating on his other business that from the situation, members of the he has been neglecting for 20 years. Scottish journalism - fraternity nicknamed, Politicians on both sides of the Atlantic the ‘Laptop Loyal’ - try to cover other www.scotzine.com 13

subjects rather than the trouble, dare I say it “crisis”, at Rangers. Given their reliance on this club for news stories, insider information and, as a result, their livelihood, they seem to have turned a blind eye to it all.

lose any right to monies taken on the sale of the club. But he still retains assets of the club that would not fall under that now being run by the bank.

One thing is clear though: the official line being sent out from Bain’s office via the loyal journalists such as Derek Johnstone is that the club is close to being bought and thus sorting out all their problems.

And that there is no need for the club to sell assets in the January transfer window, as the bank is very supportive of the club, its fans and its shareholders.

The Lloyds Banking Group, which is owed £30 million by the Ibrox club, demanded that the club agree to a business plan that would have seen massive cuts across the club. The board rejected the bank’s offer and were promptly threatened with administration if they did not agree to the deal by Friday, 16 October. Hours later, Donald Muir was confirmed as a board That official stance was published just two member. days before the news that the club were effectively threatened with administration If you do not know who Donald Muir if they did not agree to the banks massive is, then we shall enlighten you: Muir cost cutting plan. is the Chief Financial Officer with PricewaterhouseCoopers, and recently Confusing isn’t it? Who is telling the truth was employed to turn around the fortunes and who is trying to pull the wool over the of the crisis-hit Northern Rock. eyes of the fans and shareholders?

Now he has been installed on the Rangers board as a puppet of the Lloyds Group to oversee the financial aspects of the club. In fact, neither the club, Alastair Johnston nor Chief Executive Martin Bain can do anything without the say-so of Muir and the bank. In effect, the club is in administration, but as the Lloyds Banking Group is the main creditor, they will not put the club into administration for fear of losing virtually all of £30 million owed to them.

Potential Sale of Rangers FC With the bank led by Donald Muir, on the Rangers board, pulling the strings at the club, it is reported that they are looking for £30 million to effectively buy the club.

South African businessman, Dave King, is the leading candidate for any potential takeover. However as our main website, Scotzine.com reported back on the 20 September, Dave King is currently fighting the South African government on tax evasion charges.

Muir’s job is to oversee an immediate reduction in the club’s debts, including the In 2002, South Africa’s Revenue Service sale of star players with no replacements hit King with more than 300 criminal being brought in. charges, all of which he denies. Four years later the South African government With Sir David Murray not having any say managed to obtain a court order from the in the club anymore after being forced Court of Session in Edinburgh banning out of the club by the bankers – despite him from, “dealing with 3,064,627 shares claims otherwise – he sees his 90% of in Murray Sports Limited, including shares now effectively worthless, and the 37,448,459 shares in Rangers FC.” Lloyds Group looking for a new owner willing to pay £30 million for the Ibrox club The order granted by Lord Harvie to clear the debt owed to them. prevents King trading his assets in Scotland. It covers a block of 37 million With that price, any investor would be Rangers shares owned by Murray Sports getting the club at a steal. Murray would Limited (MSL), of which King owns 15%.

14 www.scotzine.com

Nine years ago, King used his offshore business Ben Nevis to invest £20 million in MSL, which owns a third of Rangers’ shares, and joined the club’s board.

to the debt owed to the bank by the club.

They would then have to stump up the cash for the assets under the control of Murray International Holdings or take on outsourced contracts given to Murray’s A spokesman for South Africa’s Asset companies, those he has an interest in Forfeiture Unit, Richard Chinner, admitted or the likes of JJB to whom he has sold that the South African government could licences. end up seizing a stake in Rangers before selling it off. However, they cannot recover The £14 million complex at Murray Park assets until after a criminal conviction. was aided to the tune of around £2 million by investment from the Scottish Executive, While Rangers have denied the above lottery funding and Sport Scotland. The information, King said only, “I’m not remaining £12 million was, once again, in prepared to discuss it” . the form of loans taken out by Murray and Rangers Football Club. While the complex With the bank now in control of the may be owned by Rangers Football Club, goings-on at Rangers football club, they this is in name alone. In fact, it is another could ultimately still sell to King to recover Murray subsidiary company that owns the the debt owed to them by the club, with land and the complex – and therefore little care for what happens afterwards. any buyer would have to purchase the complex and land off him, which could If convicted by the South African justice cost up to £20 million, depending on system, King would then see worldwide property market prices. Murray Park has, assets forfeited, including his shares in since its grandiose opening in 2001, been Rangers FC. So, if the Rangers board a flop. How many youngsters have been member did become the owner of the Ibrox brought through the ranks since Murray club, then the South African government Park was established? Alan Hutton was could effectively seize control of Rangers already coming through when it was football club in a bid to recover debts being built and so the club cannot claim owed to them by King. that he was a product of the complex.

The likes of Danny Wilson and John Fleck Such an incident could spell the end of have came through in the past season or Rangers because the government would so, but they have not made the impact not care about wanting to find an owner that the club were hoping for, and what for the whole club, nor would they care of the over-hyped claims by the lapdogs about the fans; they would only want of Rangers Football club in the media the highest price possible for everything, that wunderkind John Fleck - aka the effectively asset stripping the club. From next Wayne Rooney - would be a force the players, to fixtures and fixtures in the to reckon with? He has flopped nearly as stadium, to the land that Ibrox sits on, bad as former ‘Gers striker Filip Sebo in anything that was not nailed down would a pair of speedos splashing into the pool be sold off to pay the debt. And ultimately belly-first. if that is the case, then we would see the end of Rangers Football Club.

And then there is the Rangers Youth system. While retaining the name of For the future of the club, the bank must Rangers Football Club or Boys Club, not sell to Dave King that is for sure. But it has been outsourced to a private will the bank care? company and for every youth promoted from its ranks, the club has to pay a fee.

Club Assets In reality, they are paying a transfer fee for their own youth player. What club in the Any potential owner would first have to world would sell off their youth system? buy the club for £30 million, which is equal Do you see Ajax, Sporting Lisbon, AC www.scotzine.com 15

Milan, Manchester United or even Celtic Boy Club doing so? Of course you don’t.

But under Murray the main assets have been stripped away from the club’s overall control.

much merchandise was sold. So if £20 million was sold by JJB, Rangers would still receive £5 million and likewise if only £1 million was sold, the club would still receive £5 million.

Okay so we have covered, Murray Park, the Youth system as two assets that are not under the control of Rangers Football Club.

We then come to Hospitality and Catering at Ibrox Stadium. The concession stands are outsourced to catering firms owned in part by Murray or who have close ties with other MIH companies. And therefore all profits made go directly to the hospitality company and not Rangers Football Club.

Also, the Ladbrokes franchise within the stadium is not controlled by the club, another damning indictment of Murray’s reign. Gambling, especially in and around football stadiums in Scotland, is big business, with the majority of the clubs in the country owning their stadiums’ franchises. Yet with Rangers it has once again been taken out of the hands of Rangers Football Club and placed in the hands of Murray International Holdings’ subsidiary, Murray Sports Limited.

Again, this offloading of a major asset at the club is evident of Murray’s last 10 years at Rangers Football Club. And once again, it is indicative of Rangers fans as they were happy to concentrate more on the £48 million, and bury their heads in the sand rather than realise that the Rangers brand only declined under JJB’s control. Not only that, but earlier this year JJB Sports was saved from liquidation by a dramatic, 11th-hour buyout from former owner Dave Whelan, who saved the company by purchasing a specific department of the company; a purchase that consigned the Ibrox side to further years of merchandising misery.

Fans have flooded messageboards, the club and JJB sports itself with complaint after complaint about the level and quality of merchandise available. The sheer lack of merchandise on sale at the start of the season, especially the new home kit, was embarrassing. Only one store had the shirt in stock for the first month of it being on sale – that being at Ibrox stadium. It is reported, “rumoured” I should say, that JJB could not get credit at the time to produce enough quantities of the replica shirts to sell in all the stores at once, and therefore had to limit the sales in one store to build up finance to purchase further products.

The ticket office at Edmiston Drive was sold off to another of Murray’s companies.

It now calls itself Response. But it has seen many a name change from RHL Recruitment to Rise, to Response Handling, to Response. But now the second-most successful club in the world runs its ticket office out of portakabins in the Rangers car park. An embarrassment for a club that still thinks of itself as one of the biggest in the world.

Rangers fans continue to complain that there are more Celtic and Scotland kits And lastly there is the merchandise arm being stocked at JJB stores than Rangers of Rangers Football Club. Or should I merchandise; that there is a shocking say what merchandise arm? In 2006, lack of replica kits in normal sizes, with Rangers received £48 million from sports the majority being either in kids sizes or retailer JJB Sports to buy its merchandise in XXXL shirts. I paid a visit to two stores licence, effectively giving the retailer near to me: the JJB store in Renfrew control over what products are sold in and the one in Silverburn, Pollok. In both stores across the country. This deal led stores, there is a distinct lack of quality to the closure of stores across Scotland, merchandise and sizes available for and Rangers merchandise moving into Rangers fans; and the claims of there JJB stores up and down the land. As part being more Celtic and Scotland shirts of the deal, Rangers were to receive £5 appear correct for these two stores at million each year from JJB no matter how least.

16 www.scotzine.com

Scotzine

Fan Forum

Giving everyone the fInger www.scotzine.com/forum

The Rangers support feel that JJB are neglecting their end of the deal and have demanded the club cancels the contract immediately. However the club cannot do so without compensating the retailer with a huge payout that could reach up to £33 million. Clearly, this is something the club does not have at its disposal, and the bank would be unwilling to lend anymore money to a club already indebted to the hilt.

And still the complaints continue. Even after Chris Burke’s release in January 2009, his image remains emblazoned on advertising boards around the stadium promoting Rangers merchandise.

The Fans Crisis

of where I live or used to live.

Not to mention the lies they print claiming that I demanded Celtic fans bombard the site and to hack into it. And that I conducted a virus campaign that attacked both their own forum and the Rangersmedia forum.

They failed to mention either at the time or subsequently that the real culprit lived in Taiwan, not in the West of Scotland.

It is the true sign of a crisis when the fans groups turn on one another.

However, three supporters bodies have united in calling for the club to be sold asap by the bank and Murray, and also actively campaigning for Rangers fans to boycott Lloyds Banking Group. Certainly another ludicrous boycott idea, that these groups are trying to organise, as they look to pin the blame on all their troubles on the bank. But the blame is a lot closer to home - in fact, the fans demands on Murray year in, year out led the club to be in such deep financial trouble.

The fans are also disgusted at the failure of the club to defend the fans and the club from what they see as a ‘Celtic biased’ media controlled by the ‘Catholic mafia and Opus Dei’ (copyright of Vanguard Bears). The same Rangers group claim that the club are embarrassed about its Protestant heritage and that it is forcing Further Issues loyal Rangers fans out.

Further problems have arisen since the The same Rangers supporter’s group start of this season. Walter Smith has has turned their attentions not only called on the club to give him funds to protesting against an alleged BBC necessary to strengthen the side in the ‘vendetta’ against the club – protests at January transfer window, otherwise he will which only 40 fans turned up – but they not sign a contract extension in January have also targeted fellow Rangers groups and will walk away from the club. and fans, threatening them with violence.

Threats of violence made by this group If that happens, then the club will lose that claims to be defending the traditions their most successful manager since Bill of Rangers Football Club have been Struth, and will in all likelihood replace directed chiefly towards leading members him with the inexperienced Ally McCoist. of the Rangers supporters forum, Follow Not because he is the obvious successor, Follow, and the Rangers Supporters but because he is the cheapest.

Trust.

The club are set to lose top striker Kris Their threats of violence do not stop Boyd in the same January transfer window there. Given my penchant for attacking – for a nominal fee, and if he does leave, in print – those who conduct sectarian, the club can say goodbye to defending bigoted and racist campaigns, I have their SPL title. Boyd has been the club’s been threatened on numerous occasions top scorer ever since his move from by the same group, with its former baton Kilmarnock and is the second-highest top twirler Wilhelm Anderson – the main scorer in SPL history behind Celtic legend instigator – urging its members to pay me Henrik Larsson. a visit and posting the rough whereabouts 18 www.scotzine.com

The club have yet to offer Boyd a new contract, but they have intimated that it would be at reduced terms, and that he will not be paid anywhere near his current £11,000 a week basic wage. Given that Boyd was only recently offered £50,000 a week by two Turkish outfits and £20,000 a week by Birmingham City in January 2009, it is safe to say that despite Boyd’s affinity for the Ibrox club, he will not be so daft as to see his basic wage drop by a few thousand pounds. It’s now only a matter of when, not if, Boyd leaves. Will the club - or to be accurate, the bank - sell him in January for a fee of £750,000 at most or do they hang on to the striker and then see him leave the club for nothing in the summer?

The money that the club has successfully secured by automatic qualification into the Champions League group stages and Celtic’s failure to qualify will not be seen by Smith. It will be snapped up by the bank to pay toward the debt owed to them.

And this is where the Champions League money comes in. Aside from operating costs that are deducted from the money taken in from TV rights, ticket sales, etc., the rest will be secured by the bank to pay back the debt. The club has already axed non-playing members of staff and has culled its reserve side; eight senior players have been offloaded, and even then this has only netted £1.5 million for the coffers, with the majority of that coming from the sale of Barry Ferguson to Birmingham City.

This January could well decide the future of Rangers. If they fail to reach the last 16 of the Champions League, a number of players will certainly be sold, with Kris Boyd likely to be first out the door.

January could also see the departure of Walter Smith and, with that, any lingering hopes of Rangers securing back-to-back SPL titles.

Allan McGregor, Pedro Mendes, Steven Davis, Madjid Bougherra. Depending, of course, on whether they even last that long. There will be no permanent deal for PSG misfit Jerome Rothen, who was signed purely for the sake of signing someone. He has not brought anything to the club, and Smith’s loan purchase of Rothen has signalled his own opinion of the youth at his disposal, damning John Fleck to further spells on the bench or twiddling his thumbs up in the stands on match days.

The failure to secure the title will also see increased debt at the club. There will be no guarantee of Champions League money or football; and just like Celtic this term, they could face the likes of Arsenal in a qualifying round, which would spell disaster. David Weir is most certainly in his last year at the club, and the club would not be able to purchase an adequate replacement for the veteran who has surprised many, including myself, with his longevity. They would then have to rely on the likes of youngster Danny Wilson, Sasa Papac and Lee McCulloch at the back. And, once again there would be no transfer budget on offer. And I doubt there will be in January either.

January will be the day or reckoning for Rangers on the field. Off it, they will have to wait till the end of the season to see what damage happens, and if any buyer comes in as is rumoured. But what is clear is that Rangers are in dire straits.

The Hypocrisy of the Bank On 3 March 1994, the Bank of Scotland informed Celtic that it was calling in the receivers as a result of exceeding their £5 million overdraft facility with the bank.

This is the same bank that has allowed Rangers to hit a debt of £30 million.

Celtic were a mere 18 minutes away from being declared bankrupt before Fergus McCann stepped in and bought the club.

If the club does lose the title this season, any remaining stars will be offloaded in the The fact that the same bank could treat summer: Kyle Lafferty, Kevin Thomson, one Glasgow club in one way and then

www.scotzine.com 19

treat another the other way seems was just another piece that was aimed at clearly to suggest some level of bias and bashing Rangers Football Club and its favouritism. fans, don’t just take my word for it, read the papers since 2007 on the matter; Not only should Murray be criticised for read the club’s financial reports since running up such huge debts, so should 2005; and of course read the impending the Bank of Scotland for giving Murray half-yearly report that may or may not be such amounts to spend or fritter away. released this month.

But what do you expect from a Bank It certainly is a far cry from the same club who have invested in 10% of the who back in January 2008 planned a £700 quintessentially British club? million rebuilding project of Ibrox stadium.

This would have included a supercasino, Looking after their own self interest. Nice a 70,000-seater stadium, a hotel & to see the bankers screwing over the shopping complex as well as housing. taxpayers once again. A bank that is 43% They also planned to have a hovering owned by the British taxpayers. pitch that could slide out of the ground to allow the grass to grow. The whole A Crisis but not enough for the project was to last two years, and would, Cracked Crest? coincidentally, have been completed next year – when the future of Rangers Football Club could be determined.

While I doubt the club would go officially into administration, it certainly is being run as a club in administration at the moment.

But the bank and the establishment would not want to admit to it as it would lead to a 10 point deduction in the league.

Such a punishment would cause fewer fans to go through the turnstiles, less merchandise being sold, less interest from corporate sponsors and advertisers.

The loss of a place in Europe next year would see a massive loss of income for the club and the bankers.

Scotzine.com conducted a poll on its site through the months of September and October to ask our readers, if they felt that Rangers were a club in crisis. Of 503 votes cast, a massive 63% felt that they were in serious crisis, with 12% voting in favour of the club being in trouble. 11% said that there was no chance that the Ibrox side were in crisis, while 6% said a plain ‘No’ to the question and 2% said they did not know.

However, if you feel that the above article 20 www.scotzine.com

If they fail to win the SPL title and see the departure of their key players in January, the club will be in more trouble both on and off the park.

Who would want to invest in a club that has a squad relative to that of a Third Division side, and a club that has very little assets of its own to speak of?

We asked at the start of the article if Rangers are in crisis – if the above does not convince you that they are, then you are certainly deluded; there may be an opening for you, however, as propaganda minister for Rangers FC.

www.scotzine.com 21

Text | Iain Robertson

Scottish Footballs not that bad honest!

“Scottish football’s rubbish and it’s the SFA’s fault,” says SFA Chief executive Gordon Smith.

S

o heard 200 football fans attending the recent Scottish Football under the Spotlight event held at Stirling University.

With Scots, though, throw them a bone of hope and they’ll generally run with it. The reaction of the country when Alex McLeish led the nation into that last game decider against France rose to a fever pitch of excitement and togetherness. When things aren’t going well though, yes, the tendency is to become ridiculously negative and self-critical.

No, Gordon wasn’t performing his own version of Scottish Seppuku – the samurai ritual suicide of plunging a sword into your own abdomen - he was merely stating what he knows to be the general viewpoint among supporters of the beautiful game in This bi-polar Scotland of ours needs this country. the drug of achievement and, at the very least, effort and direction if it is But our chief refutes that belief to forge ahead erring more on the system, citing the investment being positive than the negative. For that made at the grassroots level as proof to happen in a football sense, the that things aren’t as bad as all that. punters need to see evidence of real change.

He believes there are three areas of our game that need to be worked on. Look around now however, and fans see little that is likely to inspire them.

Gordon said, “One is more athleticism – in kids and in society and in general. Scotland dropped 16 places in We need more of a culture of health the latest FIFA rankings and sit and fitness. Two, we need to improve sandwiched between those football our technique. And the third thing is powerhouses of Gabon and Latvia. our mentality. We need to try and get Marry that to the fact the country kids to enjoy their game and not be put hasn’t participated in a major off by negativity in Scotland. I spent championships since Elvis was just part of my playing career abroad and a sparkle in his father’s eye (well it I really noticed that when I came back feels that way), and telling everyone to this country. Culturally, we’re a very to jump aboard the positivity express negative people; a negative society. A doesn’t really ring true. lot of times, people are put off by that.” SPL operations director, Ian Blair, 22 www.scotzine.com

insisted at the spotlight night that the game is not as bad as it is presented.

Really? The old Cherokee saying: ”You can’t polish a turd” springs to mind, Ian. Passing the buck and saying the game isn’t presented as well as it should be is simply passing the buck.

It is exactly how it is presented: failing, and getting worse. Not so, says Blair.

He added - positively, “The national team is populated by and large by players who have come through our development system. Sometimes criticism can go over the top.”

actually qualified for something other than a game against Japan – the country which emerged from the football wilderness back in the 1960s when they hosted the mighty Stirling Albion.

What will come of Henry’s review, then? Perhaps Susan Boyle will hypnotise us all into feeling positive.

A rousing Hampden rendition of ‘I dreamed a dream’ might have everyone tripping the light fantastic around Mount Florida.

To be fair, it’s not that Henry is lying The when he hails the strength of passion this country has for football. The problem is in finding a way to harness It’s time to ditch the defensive attitude, it on a more regular basis. The only accept the dire state of our game and real way to do that is by providing a start talking solutions. better product.

Three o’clock on a Saturday afternoon Who though, is the football oracle? should be a time when the big hand What is the name of the individual strikes a chime of excitement into that is going to transform Caledonia every football fan in Scotland. That into a land of total football? isn’t happening, because the standard is lower than Ronnie Corbett’s pitching Enter former First Minister Henry wedge.

McLeish. Uninspired? Me too.

Henry Mcleish, chairman of the Also sat around the top table of current Scottish Football Review footballing minds in Stirling was the Commission, arrived at Stirling’s players’ union chief, Fraser Wishart. centre of academia to deliver his Sadly, he returned to what seemed ”wha’s like us” lecture (Gabon?). like the party line for the evening when he insisted things were not that bad.

“There is a passion here for football not found in England,” he said. “It He said, “Managers and coaches could be equaled in other countries, are far more positive now than they but never surpassed. I remain were when I began playing. I can’t fantastically optimistic. We have too remember the last time I saw a team many memories and not enough playing negatively.” dreams. It’s a nation that comes to a halt when we play Italy or Holland Which begs the question, which at home. Where else do you find that games are you watching Fraser? commitment?”

The national team is sliding down Every Scottish fan has had plenty the international rankings faster than of those dreams, where we have a block of ice down a ski slope. It’s One place behind Gabon! criticism isn’t going far enough.

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time, as our government might put it, summed up though, when BBC for change. journalist Jim Spence, who chaired the debate, took a straw poll asking But is it simply negative of me to if people thought the report being chastise those at the head of our compiled by McLeish would achieve game, demand change, but give little anything? Around two-thirds said no. in the way of concrete proposals on the best way forward?

It’s time to rip up the busted business model that is Scottish football.

No. It’s the role of our football ‘leaders’ Sweeping changes are needed. to inspire through action rather than When that happens, then our top turning up at a university somewhere brass might have more reason to in central Scotland, sit around a table, demand positivity from its subjects. and agree with each other on how things are not as bad as presented.

I’ll pass it to the event organiser to leave us all with a nice taste in our But if they are looking for tips, they mouth: simply need to look around. The country needs proper facilities, Stephen Morrow, Head of the and quality coaching at all levels Department of Sports Studies at of the game. Yes, improvements in the University of Stirling and leading these areas will require government expert on football finance, said, “The backing, and Holyrood deserves to be aim of the event was to encourage hung, drawn and quartered for its part debate about possible solutions to in the slow death of our game. some of the present challenges facing Scottish football. It was great to see The time for talking is over. We need so many people, passionate about to see action now, before it is too late. the game, putting their questions to the panel and it produced some lively James Proctor of Supporters Direct discussion. As Scotland’s University said at the debate, “Clubs take people for Sporting Excellence, we are a little for granted in the good times, committed to encouraging discussion then in the bad times berate them for about key sporting issues and Scottish not turning up.”

Football under the Spotlight proved a timely debate.”

Perhaps it is our football chiefs who should stand accused of berating us Actually, let’s finish with a night cap.

– the football fan - for being negative, When the spotlight is well and truly when we are only calling it how it shone on Scottish football, what is, and instead take action that will is revealed to us? Read the first release the enthusiastic side of our sentence. footballing passion.

The night also saw discussions on a possible pyramid structure for the game, and called for a reduction in the number of bodies which run the game.

The mood of the audience was 24 www.scotzine.com

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Text | Colin D. Young, James Atkinson & Euan Wallace

For & Against Alcohol For

Colin D. Young

n Fitba i match.

It’s different across the border. I lived in Derby for a few years and went to watch County at home. A hot pie and a Bovril are perfect on a cold winter’s afternoon. However, when you walk into a stadium at 2pm on a warm, sunny spring day, it’s much more satisfying to buy an ice cold pint of beer, enjoy it with your friends, and then watch the game. Frankly, since moving back to Scotland, I miss having that choice.

However, it does beg the question: Are Scottish football fans any less responsible than their English counterparts?

L

et’s face it: most of us enjoy a wee drink or two from time to time, but we’re responsible adults - we make our own decisions, and take the consequences of our actions.

Another question has to be asked: Why can’t we all enjoy a beer, a whiskey or (perish the thought) a Babycham with our pies when a round ball is kicked in Scotland?

The only viable answer that comes Or, at least, that’s what we’d like to to my mind is that we, football fans, are being deliberately discriminated think. against and that a bevy of benefits The ‘Nanny State’ we live in continues are missed by preventing the sale of to tell Scottish football fans that we are alcohol at football matches. not responsible adults; that we are not capable of making sensible decisions One great advantage of alcohol is where alcohol is concerned, and that that it lowers people’s inhibitions, we should not be allowed to consume encouraging crowd participation. The fact that alcohol makes Joe Punter feel alcohol at football matches. more relaxed and less afraid to sing, But don’t worry! If you’re a fan of rugby, or voice an opinion, actually improves or even cricket, you’re clearly a more the atmosphere at matches. The responsible person and therefore banter within the crowd is amplified, allowed to enjoy a cold, frothy pint of people are laughing and joking more beer while you watch a game. And readily, and when the club songs start let’s not forget that if you’re lucky (or there are more voices singing. I would wealthy) enough to have corporate argue that the team benefits from the hospitality you’re deemed responsible increased noise and passion that is enough to consume alcohol at a generated in the stands.

26 www.scotzine.com

Passion is often lacking at matches.

I’ve sat in the stands at Rugby Park and listened to two elderly gents in front of me discussing gardening tips during a match. If we dig deep in our memories, we can probably recall great scenes of Flower of Scotland being sung at Scotland rugby matches: passionate crowds, belting out the anthem as loud as they can, many of them having just enjoyed a few drinks. Football would only benefit from the increased enjoyment in the stands.

and introducing alcohol at football grounds may increase the advertising revenues for clubs. It was hard at Pride Park, for example, to go to the toilet without walking past at least one Belhaven Beer advert.

Sponsorship revenues may swell, with potential for increased shirt and tournament sponsorship deals from drinks companies. You only need to look again at rugby, where there are hugely successful partnerships with both Guinness and Heineken, to see how successful it could be for teams It’s also possible that the atmosphere were the laws to be relaxed. at matches would improve through increased crowd size. There are many, With a little lateral thinking, clubs many football fans who trudge along could offer live ‘beam-back’ of away to their local pub to watch a game matches to their home grounds and ‘live’ on TV and enjoy a drink rather sell food and alcohol during the than head to the stadium. Perhaps game. It wouldn’t take a genius to those fans would be more tempted see the wider marketing potential to attend the match were they able to of a Rangers’ Rum, Celtic Cider, have a drink while watching?

Aberdeen Ale, or St. Mirren Stout. The commercial teams at all major football Increased attendance leads to clubs would love the opportunity to increased revenue, and this is another grow their brand through another important area where relaxing the lucrative channel. law could benefit Scottish football.

Clubs today are faced with increasing With all of these benefits to be gained, financial problems. Relaxing the the question remains: Why should alcohol ban would be a quick and the 1980 Scottish Cup Final continue easy way to generate revenue. Put as to cast a shadow across Scottish simply as possible, the sale of alcohol football? Are we as a nation so is profitable. backward facing that we can’t stand up and admit that a law nearly 30 That profit could be used, as it is years old is no longer needed? in rugby, to support the grassroots development of the game, with Those against giving football fans clubs potentially using this profit to their freedom to choose to enjoy a increase the amount spent on youth drink during a match will throw around development. Some clubs that are arguments that “We have a binge facing insolvency could possibly stay drinking culture”. By relaxing the laws, afloat by being able to sell alcohol. showing some trust in fans, we can There’s every chance that food possibly help to reduce this. The law revenue would increase as well, since currently drives many fans who want some people, myself included, get to enjoy a drink while watching football ‘the munchies’ after a few drinks! to buy carry-outs of cheap alcohol from their local supermarket and Advertising revenues may also watch the match at home on TV. It’s increase. Alcohol companies spend arguable that this already contributes vast sums of money to maximise more to our binge drinking culture their exposure to large audiences, than permitting the sale of alcohol at www.scotzine.com 27

a football ground would.

and police authorities can take a sensible approach when a high risk Most large drinks companies have fixture is identified. There should be ongoing campaigns supporting no reason why the same approach the responsible use of alcohol. It can’t be taken in Scotland. may be a good idea for high profile players to get increasingly involved Looking around Scottish football, in these programmes if alcohol were there is growing support for, at least, a reintroduced to Scottish football. review of the existing laws.

If players led by example, which admittedly some often do not, it would Motherwell’s John Boyle has been help to promote the image of a safe, most vocal in his support of lifting the comfortable environment at matches. ban, labelling the current situation “ludicrous” and “absurd”. The SFA’s Ultimately, clubs can control the Chief Executive, and former TV pundit amount of alcohol sold to fans. They extraordinaire, Gordon Smith, offered can refuse entry or to sell to people a tepid but open response, admitting who have clearly had too much that there was some room for further already, or could introduce a voucher debate on the issue. Even the police’s scheme to limit the number of drinks football policing sub-committee have each person can purchase. The key issued a statement indicating that word here is responsibility. Both they could see commercial benefits fans and clubs already have this in and other positive arguments for abundance, and just need to be given lifting the ban. the chance to prove themselves.

Yet nothing further has been done.

Others will argue that the sale of alcohol at football matches “leads to Rangers offered to conduct a pilot increased violence”. However, football scheme for the reintroduction of clubs, having reaped the benefit of alcohol as far back as 2004. In a letter alcohol sales, could offer an increased to the licensing authorities, Martin contribution towards the cost of Bain explained that Newcastle United policing matches, thereby helping “found no link between disorder and to mitigate any additional policing the sale of alcohol in [their] stadium, costs that may arise. Similarly, with possibly because it takes place within the level of technology, policing and the confines of a highly managed stewarding already in place at most environment”.

He further stated clubs to combat racism, sectarianism, that Lord Justice Taylor, reviewing vandalism, etc., any hint of violence the Hillsborough disaster, noted can be dealt with as rapidly and that “the sale of alcoholic drink in efficiently as the first few bars of The football grounds should be generally Sash currently are. permitted” and that he “looked forward to a time when a better atmosphere Clubs could also elect not to serve at football grounds may justify bans alcohol at games where police advise being lifted”. of a higher risk. The most obvious of these would be the Old Firm derby That time is now. There are too many matches. Recently, in the lead up to benefits to the game in Scotland for the Fiorentina vs. Liverpool match in this discriminatory and restrictive ban the Champions League, the Italian to continue. Scottish football fans authorities decided to ban the sale of need to lobby for a review of this alcohol on the day of the match, not just outdated legislation and show the in the stadium but in the surrounding authorities we are, in fact, responsible area of the city. This shows that clubs adults, capable of making decisions 28 www.scotzine.com

and taking the consequences of our bringing back alcohol: The simple actions where alcohol is concerned. fact is that some people can’t handle it. Although it’s easy to say that they shouldn’t spoil it for the rest of us, it could be dangerous to other people’s Part One safety and cause problems for the club, the police and other spectators.

Euan Wallace These things are important and we ome things are made better by the have to be responsible. availability of alcohol: weddings, nightclubs and flights for example. But Although the thinking behind the football, surely not!? Isn’t a football alcohol ban in football grounds is match meant to be competitive, outdated and offensive to the majority exciting and above all entertaining, of decent people who attend football even when you’re sober? Most of the matches, a repeal of the ban would time we maybe have to look hard to invite many football clubs to rip off find exciting matches in Scotland, but supporters. You still won’t be able to I’ve been to Arbroath games that I can bring alcohol to the game, no way! But genuinely say were among the best if you want to drink, you will be able I’ve seen. No offence to Arbroath. buy at the ground for outrageously inflated prices. Is that really something So what would we gain from being we want? able to buy alcohol at grounds in Scotland? There is a gentleman who A sense of entitlement drives the sits behind me at Raith Rovers home argument for reintroducing alcohol games who is possibly the most into grounds. We feel that because unpleasant person you could meet at we could have it, we should have it. a First Division football match. He will But much has changed in football spend the entire match shouting and since alcohol was banned. Thanks swearing at anyone, usually the ref to changes in stewarding and fan and frequently demonstrates that he culture, we’ve seen what is sometimes knows nothing about football. Alcohol called the ’gentrification’ of football. would probably make him more Nostalgic supporters will pine for the annoying. days of being able to buy alcohol in the same way that they pine for There are people like this at every terracing. Things are different now. football ground in the country. Though most of us remember to bring our Imagine going to Hampden today and dignity with us when we enter the having someone urinate on the back ground, it stands to reason that if of your leg? It’s just inconceivable. these morons are so irritating sober, Much like terraces and qualifying for they would be unbearable under the World Cups, alcohol at grounds is influence of alcohol. Undoubtedly a thing of the past in Scotland. Will there are people who will be more bringing alcohol back into the grounds aggressive when drunk, no football make anything better? Not likely. match needs to be spoiled by some angry idiot looking to fight someone.

These people can and probably will go to the pub before the game but at least the prospect of a 0-0 in torrential rain will sober them up during the match.

Against

S

It’s the strongest argument against www.scotzine.com 29

Against

Part Two

James Atkinson o you think it’s time to lift the alcohol S ban at Scottish football, do you?

You reason that you’re adult enough

quality lager or nothing, guzzled down hastily and joylessly during half-time.

As the aforementioned plastic beakers are practically manufactured litter anyhow, onto the floor they will go, adding to the scrunch and squelch underfoot as you make your way along the concourse towards the exit at the end of the game. And the toilet floors will be even more awash than they are now.

to be trusted to enjoy a drink, that fans will be able to behave themselves, and that modern technology and crowd control strategies would be able to identify and deal with any So let’s not change the current rules on alcohol. If you find the thought of trouble makers. watching 90 minutes of Scottish fitba Even some footage from three without a drink too much, have a nip decades ago of a drink-fuelled rammy or two from a stealthily concealed hip at an Old Firm match won’t dissuade flask. Otherwise, think about how nice you? Fine. To be honest, you’ve got a that first pint will taste after the game, point. But a word of warning – ending in a local pub that will be very glad of the alcohol ban won’t be as good as your custom. you hope.

Our pubs are in a perilous state, with For starters, it’s likely that any more and more closing every week. reintroduction of booze to Scottish Let’s not dent their match day takings football grounds would follow the as well – because if the alcohol English example, and be subject to restrictions are lifted, more and more a number of restrictions – such as fans will skip the pre-match drink on banning the consumption of alcohol the way to the ground and just get a within view of the playing surface. In beer at the stadium. other words, even if the ban is lifted, you won’t be allowed to sit in your seat Where will this leave our clubs? Well, and sup a pint as you watch the game the truth is that they serve alcohol – surely, the whole point of bringing already, in the guise of corporate hospitality packages or season-ticket back alcohol in the first place. holder only bars. So if you want to But as you won’t be trusted with a drink at the stadium you can; but you’ll proper glass, and will have to hold need to spend more money or commit your drink in a squashy plastic cup, to every home game to do so. Your you probably won’t want it anywhere club, much like your local pub, will near your seat anyhow, because the be happy for extra business in these slightest reaction to an incident on the financially-straightened times. pitch is likely to spill beer all over your Of course it’s ridiculous that you legs. Or those of your burly, short- can’t buy a drink at a football match in Scotland. Drinking and football are tempered neighbour. the nation’s two favourite pastimes, Ah yes, the drink itself. Our football and many of us will be getting the clubs are hardly known for the quality beers in next summer as we watch of their catering (the Kilmarnock pie the World Cup from our sofas. being an honourable exception), so the “bar” is likely to be a serving hatch, But sometimes, a ridiculous rule can with high prices and poor service. be the most sensible compromise.

Your choices will be limited to low 30 www.scotzine.com

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Text | Euan Wallace

Legends of Scotland

Jim Leighton

Rangers and Celtic have always dominated Scottish football. It’s been 14 years since a non-Old Firm club won the league. And unless the Old Firm actually make their oft-talked about departure for a North Atlantic super league or SPL matches start being broadcast in Dubai, it’s inconceivable that this will change anytime in the near future.

It wasn’t always like this. In the 1980s, the Old Firm faced competition from Alex Ferguson’s Aberdeen and Jim McLean’s Dundee United, nicknamed ‘the New Firm’. Aberdeen won the league in 1985 with a team of players like Gordon Strachan, Mark McGhee, Willie Miller, Alex McLeish and Doug Rougvie. In goal was Jim Leighton.

Leighton was an unfussy and reliable goalkeeper, something that Scotland had been in short supply of over the years.

He would spend the bulk of his career at Aberdeen but also played for Manchester United and had a moderately successful spell at Hibs before rejoining Aberdeen in 1997. He was capped 91 times for Scotland over a spell of 16 years and was included in four World Cup squads. The idea of a Scotland team qualifying for a World Cup is almost alien now.

Leighton joined Aberdeen from Ayrshire club Dalry Thistle in 1978 and spent some time out on loan at Deveronvale.

He made his Aberdeen debut in Alex Ferguson’s first game in charge of the club against Hearts at Tynecastle. First-choice keeper Bobby Clark was unavailable so the young, inexperienced Leighton was brought in as his replacement.

number of crucial saves. He had made a good impression in his first game and would go on to establish himself in the most successful Aberdeen sides of all time. Under Ferguson’s management, the Dons would win the Cup Winners Cup beating Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in the process, four Scottish Cups, two League Cups and a league title, Leighton was in goal for all of these triumphs.

As well as being a crucial part of the hugely successful Dons side, Leighton was first-choice goalkeeper for the 1986 World Cup, playing in all of Scotland’s matches. But the tournament was to be predictably disappointing for Scotland, with only one point in a bad-tempered match against Uruguay to show for their efforts.

Leighton’s performances were praised by many who admired Aberdeen’s achievements. His determination and consistency were noted by the great Brian Clough, who described him as ”a rare bird, a Scottish goalkeeper that can be relied on”. Ferguson left to manage Manchester United in 1986 and Leighton was to follow him two years later.

His first season at United was successful and he continued to show the good form that had garnered so much praise at Pittodrie. However, a bad performance in the 1990 FA Cup Final saw Leighton concede three goals. It went to a replay but Ferguson dropped Leighton in favour of Les Sealey. Sealey’s goalkeeping helped United win the cup but, acknowledging Leighton’s work in the lead up to the final, Sealey gave his winner’s medal to his colleague. The FA later gave both of them medals.

Eamonn Bannon scored for Hearts after just three minutes, but despite the heavy rain and poor conditions, Aberdeen fought Unfortunately, Ferguson never forgave back to win 4-1 with Leighton making a Leighton for his mistakes in the final and 32 www.scotzine.com

he struggled to establish himself in the squad afterwards. He made only one appearance for United following the Cup final. He would go on loan to Arsenal and Reading before returning to Scotland with Dundee in 1992.

were thrashed 4-0.

Following his retirement Jim worked as a goalkeeping coach for Aberdeen before being sacked earlier this year as the club looked to cut costs. He now does occasional work for BBC Scotland as a In his first season with Dundee they summariser for football matches. fought relegation as a newly promoted side. With Leighton’s help they stayed up. His long career effectively charts the His confidence was somewhat restored decline of Scottish football from the and he moved to Hibs the following year, 1980s to the beginning of this century. which marked the beginning in a return Jim Leighton may not evoke as much to good form. He spent four seasons at affection from fans as Andy Goram, but Easter Road and missed only one match for a long time he was a steady presence in his time there. in goal for Scotland and Aberdeen, a big part in presiding over a golden age His performances for Hibs saw him of Scottish club football in a remarkable brought back into contention for the time for the national team. Maybe thanks national team, and he was first choice to him, those Scottish goalkeeper jokes goalkeeper for Euro 96. He made a return are out of fashion now to Aberdeen the following year and spent his final playing years at Pittodrie. He played in his third World Cup in 1998 and in particular performed well in the opening game between Scotland and Brazil, pulling off a number of good saves before Tom Boyd unfortunately knocked the ball past him.

His final seasons with Aberdeen were in marked contrast to his beginnings with the club. While in the early 80s the Dons were a very real challenge to the primacy of the Old Firm, by the time of Leighton’s return they were a very poor side and would have been relegated at the end of 2000 under Ebbe Skovdahl’s management.

As it was, they were spared because Falkirk’s old ground, Brockville, was unfit Profile for the SPL and would be demolished three years later.

Name: James Leighton Date of Birth: 24 July 1958 They did, however, make it to a Scottish Place of Birth: Johnstone, Scotland Cup final against Rangers. Leighton Position: Goalkeeper would make his last appearance as a professional footballer in this final. Senior Career However, typical of Aberdeen’s misfortune that season, Leighton was injured in the Aberdeen [382 games] opening minutes and, with Skovdahl Manchester United [73 games] bizarrely having neglected to include a Reading [8 games] substitute goalkeeper, current Livingston Dundee [21 games] striker Robbie Winters played in goal for Hibernian [151 games] the rest of the match. Naturally, Aberdeen Scotland [91 games] www.scotzine.com 33

Text | Mike Smith | www.auldreekierants.blogspot.com

What’s the Score?

We live in an age where communication is instant. Indeed, we demand it to be so. Satellite technology and the advance of the internet and mobile phones means that no matter where you are in the world you can have almost instant access to any sporting event worth its salt. It’s a far cry from when I first began going to football back in the late 1960s.

Back then, satellite technology was in its infancy. Yes, the USA was putting men on the moon, but life in Scotland was literally more down to earth. Football was different four decades ago. There were only two divisions, First and Second, with 18 teams in the top flight. Teams would play each other just twice a season in the league and if my team Hearts were playing away - always on a Saturday afternoon in the days before games were covered live on television - the reserve team would be playing our opponents reserve team at Tynecastle.

Hearts struggled throughout the 1970s and attendances at Tynecastle were about half what they are now. On cold winter afternoons with a biting wind and lashing rain, fans would huddle in the old Tynecastle shed urging on the likes of Rab Prentice, Drew Busby and Donald Ford. Unless you had a transistor radio with you - it’s a 70s thing, younger readers - getting the half-time scores from other games usually meant forking out a shilling (five pence) for a programme (in the days before they were called “match day magazines”). The other fixtures would be printed with capital letters next to them and a man would climb the half-time scoreboard on the Gorgie Road terracing slotting numbers on the board. For example, next to the letter A he would place 1-1. A quick look at the programme would show 34 www.scotzine.com

0 -

1

Aberdeen were drawing at home to Hibernian…

I was living in Aberdeen in 1971 when Partick Thistle recorded their famous League Cup Final triumph over Celtic, who were then one of the best clubs in Europe. I was at Pittodrie with a friend and there were huge hoots of derision when the fella on the halftime scoreboard on the then-wide open Pittodrie terracing put 4-0 next to the letter A. The silly man must have got the score the wrong way round we assumed. As if Thistle would be 4-0 up against Celtic at half-time we chortled. Astonishingly, it was true…

Back in the 1970s, the term mobile phone meant someone picking up their old dialling contraption and throwing it across the living room on discovering on BBC1’s Grandstand results service that their team had lost at Arbroath. In fact, a good many households didn’t even have a telephone - we didn’t get one in our house until 1976. The internet was something connected with the space agency NASA. The radio was the main source of getting updated football scores and tuning into Radio Scotland was a challenge in itself. No digital radio then, of course. It was VHF and medium wave and I seem to recall Radio Scotland being an extension of BBC Radio Four. So much so, that Sportsound - or Sportsreel I think it was called back then - didn’t start until 3.30pm on a Saturday afternoon.

When I lived in Aberdeen as a child I used to spend an anxious half an hour from three o-clock on a Saturday wondering how the mighty - okay this was the 1970s so not so mighty Jambos were getting on. It was at this time my pessimistic streak developed and has remained with me to this day. Hearts away to Dumbarton?

Ach, they’ll skoosh it. By half past

three, we’re bound to be at least three goals ahead. Then the dulcet tones of presenter Brian Marjoriebanks would come on and after updating us on Celtic and Rangers first - some things never change - eventually he would advise ‘and the latest from Boghead is that Dumbarton lead Hearts by a goal to nil…’ I soon learned to accept crushing disappointment as a way of life. As my father used to say to me ‘well, son, you chose to follow Hearts…’

games. Nearly every city had one.

In Edinburgh it was the Pink News, printed on horrendous pink paper; in Aberdeen it was the Green Final printed on - well, you get the picture.

After scouring through the paper to get scores and reports your hands were usually black with newsprint. I still recall the air of anticipation waiting in the newsagents for the screeching sound of the delivery van, whose driver would lob a freshly printed batch of papers toward the door of the shop with the accuracy of a Danny McGrain Those of us who grew up in the throw in.

1970s and were avid football fans will remember the magnificent We 40-something fans are often David Francey as Radio Scotland’s accused of looking at the past through commentator supreme. Francey rose-tinted - or in my case maroonsounded like a loveable granddad; tinted - spectacles. However, I can’t someone who would offer you sweets deny there were some truly awful when you were expressly forbidden games at Tynecastle three decades to have anything to eat before supper. and more ago. Moreover, it’s difficult to ‘Oh and there’s a drive from the edge imagine going to games now without of the penalty box which has just having instant access to other scores whistled past the left hand post of through mobile phone and satellite Jim Cruickshank’ - his commentary technology. often gave us better pictures that Archie Macpherson did in the edited However, there was an innocence television highlights on Saturday about the days before mass evening. Having said that, taking a technology that I miss. The days radio to the game to get the other before everything was sponsored, scores was often fraught with danger. strips were emblazoned with names When Hearts needed just a point from and most of us actually stood on that game at Dens Park on the final the terracing for 90 minutes. On the day of season 1985-86 and hoped other hand, I don’t miss standing on Celtic wouldn’t get the avalanche of the wide-open terracing in the middle goals they needed at St. Mirren to of winter with the rain running down address their inferior goal difference, the back of your neck; the pissheads the fella standing in front of me at who stumbled through the turn-styles Dundee dared to relay the news that at 2.55pm having been in the pub for The Hoops were 4-0 ahead at half- the past three hours and who would time. He was either very brave or very urinate down the back of your leg; or stupid depending on your view… the ever-present threat of violence that meant when you wore your When the dust had settled on a team’s scarf walking down the road Saturday afternoon and all the results you were asking for a kicking. were in the Hearts result would determine whether I nipped down Something I’ll hang on to next time the road to the local newsagent for Christian Nade’s attempt on goal a copy of the Saturday sports paper knocks a Blackberry from the hands of which was rushed out shortly after a fan in row 25 of the Gorgie Stand… five o’clock and had all the results and brief match reports from the top www.scotzine.com 35

Text | Euan Wallace

Fort William’s

American Dream MacDonald wants to bring in talented players from American colleges in an attempt to take the team ‘from worst to first’. Following the increasingly common example set by teams like Ebbsfleet United in England, MacDonald plans to turn Fort William into a fan-owned club who will play under the heading of America’s Team FC. Website subscribers can pay £25 each to have a say in picking the team, and matches will be broadcast in the UK and in North America.

After two years it was finally over. Two long years of waiting with only one point to show for two seasons effort. The goals would fly in: five against Lossiemouth, six against Deveronvale, eight against Buckie Thistle! Unfortunately, they were at the wrong end. Six games into the new season and just one goal scored.

However, this horrible cycle was finally broken on 3 October 2009. Ending a 57game run without a win, Fort William FC The club’s website promises “Scottish celebrated a 2-1 victory away to Highland Soccer - American Made”, which should be enough to send a chill down your League newcomers Turriff United. spine. But if it isn’t, how about this burning This won’t be the beginning of a question: ‘How will the locals react to a turnaround for the team. Shinty is a far group of fit, handsome, young American more popular sport in Fort William, with men playing “their game”, invading “their” the shinty club being among the best in bars, restaurants, shops and churches?’ the country. The football team struggles Why ask? The answer is obvious! They’ll to attract local youth because of this, build a wicker man and burn them alive! and regularly finishes at the bottom of A town with a population of 9,000 is not the Highland League table. Another new going to be turned on its head by the team, Strathspey Thistle will be pushing introduction of 10 Americans.

Fort William all the way for last place this year and Rothes have also had an The promotional video on the website appalling but not unsurprising start to the features an unnecessarily dramatic season. The win could prove important voiceover followed by locals giving in keeping The Fort from adding to their their opinion on the team, subtitled for American audiences; although oddly substantial wooden spoon collection. “they’re getting gubbed all the time” Their form may be unimpressive to put it doesn’t require any translation. Americans lightly but that hasn’t stopped Fort William probably say things like that all the time! from attracting attention from well outside Lochaber. They’ve become the unlikely Best of all are the unfortunate assertions subject of a proposed online TV series. from the locals such as the requirement American millionaire Paul MacDonald, that the footballers are ‘Fort William owner of a broadcasting company called people’ or the abusive slurs from what PMacTonight Entertainment has plans to appears to be the town drunk, decrying the Americans as “a bunch of poofs”. It raise the profile of the club in a big way.

36 www.scotzine.com

has found sponsorship elsewhere for this season and many at the club are stoically accepting that they have to get on with things and can’t keep waiting for MacDonald to put the idea into practice.

Questions should be asked about the viability of the idea. The most success a team can achieve in the Highland League is to finish top or have a moderately successful run in the Scottish Cup. While some Highland League teams are more than a match for their counterparts in the Third Division, even a Fort William side full of young American talent would be hard pushed to progress further than the third of fourth round of the competition, and there is no chance of success beyond winning the league - though clearly that would be a huge improvement in the team’s fortunes.

doesn’t exactly portray Scottish people in the best light. They also claim that the Highland League is the “most rugged” in Europe, presumably because Fort William is so close to Ben Nevis. Have football leagues ever before been ranked in order Also worth asking is whether or not Fort of ruggedness?

William are really an attractive prospect As toe-curlingly awful as the website to a young American “soccer” player. is, it’s still more exposure than most It’s abundantly clear that “the best” teams in Scotland can even dream of. young talent will be wanted elsewhere.

The publicity generated by the plan has To attract players of the calibre that will already brought a shirt sponsorship deal help Fort William to success they will from Nike and the club are hoping that have to offer higher wages, subsidised by there will be other financial benefits. If MacDonald, but if the plan is unsuccessful everything goes ahead as planned, it is this could leave the club lumbered with estimated that the series should bring in the disastrous prospect of players on at least £200,000 for the club. This will be contracts they can’t afford. That situation lucrative for a club who average match- was the catalyst for Gretna’s demise and day attendances of around 200, but could be repeated at Fort William without doubts have already started to be cast proper consideration. over the future of the project.

Many of the details are vague and it is The proposal originally created murmurs doubtful whether the transformation of of interest from the national newspapers the team’s fortunes will ever be realised. but little has been said about it since. It In the meantime, those involved with the had initially been scheduled to begin this club will be concentrating on improving season, but has now been postponed until on last season’s position and daring to next season. A television documentary dream of the dizzying heights away from about the team was meant to be shown the bottom the table. And hoping they on BBC Alba this September, but after won’t have to wait as long for their next delays to filming earlier in the year the league win. They are away to Strathspey documentary never appeared. The team Thistle on the 28 November.

www.scotzine.com 37

Text | Andy Muirhead

Hughie Gallacher

Hero, Legend and Tragic Genius

Hughie Gallacher was one of the finest as he was called, took his own life, aged centre forwards ever to grace the dark 54. blue jersey of Scotland. At club level he was a hero at both Newcastle United and The Beginning Derby County.

Gallacher was born on 2 February 1903, However, despite his status as a hero in the town of Bellshill near Glasgow. And and his goalscoring exploits, he is not as this was where the trouble began for the well known as he should be. He deserves man. As with many industrial and working to be up there alongside the likes of class towns, it had a pub on every Maradona, Pele and George Best, but corner. By the time Gallacher was 16, he the memory of his footballing genius is was down the pits and playing amateur tainted by tragedy. football, but he was also turning to the drink.

Hughie Gallacher was, in today’s terms, a football ‘Bad Boy’. He had a fiery temper A year later, at the tender age of 17, and no respect for authority. Drinking, Gallacher married Annie McIlvaney. And gambling, womanising and ‘hangers-on’ before his 18 birthday he had suffered gave Gallacher trouble both on and off the greatly, with the death of his infant son park. As with today, the media covered and becoming separated from his wife. such goings-on and ultimately helped to They got back together again sometime push the man over the edge. On 11 June later, and in that period they had another 1957, Hughie Gallacher or ‘Magic Feet’ son. But their relationship could not last, 38 www.scotzine.com

and they split permanently in 1923, when Gallacher was still only 20. Certainly, not a great start to his adult life and these were by means the final troubles of his life.

Club Career Hughie signed firstly for Queen of the South, then Airdrie, followed by Newcastle United in 1925. He became a hero for the Geordie side, captaining Newcastle to the League Championship in 1926-67.

Gallacher left the North East for the bright lights of the capital, where he made a shock move to Chelsea in 1930. There he took London and its attractions - mainly the pubs and clubs - by storm. On the pitch he scored 72 goals in 132 games.

By the time the Scot arrived at Derby County in 1934, he was one of the country’s most celebrated footballers. He only stayed with Derby for one season, but managed an astonishing 38 goals in just 51 games.

a signing-on fee, which was illegal at that time. Gallacher refused to admit the claim, but despite that Jobey was given a massive 10-year suspension for his part in the signing-on fee scandal.

After Derby, Gallacher moved to Notts County, Grimsby Town and Gateshead, where he played his last game in 1939, aged 36.

With today’s bad boys, such as Roy Keane and Paul Gascoigne, entering management with little or no interference from the FA, Hughie Gallacher was not granted such leniency. The Football Association prevented Gallacher from becoming a manager, so the football genius had to make ends meet by taking on a series of factory jobs.

Scotland Career Hughie made a total of 20 appearances for Scotland, scoring 23 goals. Never being booked.

The Derby manager at the time, George He made his debut on 1 March 1924 Jobey, was a tough Geordie and he knew against Northern Ireland in the British all about Gallacher’s growing reputation. Home Championship; Scotland won 2-0.

He scored for the first time in Scotland During Gallagher’s time with Newcastle, colours a year later against Wales, when after a game with Huddersfield on New he bagged a brace. Scotland won 3-1.

Year’s Eve in 1927, he pushed the referee, Mr Fogg, into the team bath. The Hughie was a member of the famous Football Association was not amused by ‘Wembley Wizards’ team that demolished Gallacher’s behaviour and punished him England 5-1 at Wembley in 1928. with a two month ban.

His last game was in the 2-0 victory over Another incident occurred on a tour of England in April 1935.

Europe with Newcastle in 1929. Gallacher was accused by opposition players of Gallacher bagged two hat tricks during being drunk on the field of play. He replied his international career, his first in 1926 to the accusation by saying, “It was a against Northern Ireland, with Scotland boiling hot day, so I rinsed my mouth out running out 4-0 winners, and in 1928 he with a wee drop of Scotch and water”. scored another in the 4-2 win over Wales.

The following year, he scored four goals During his time with Derby he seemed in the 7-3 win over Northern Ireland. to have calmed down. But his time with the club certainly did not spell the end During his international career, the Scots of his troubles. In 1941, the club was won a total of 17 games, drew twice and investigated by the FA over suspected lost just once. In fact, from March 1924 to financial irregularities. One accusation April 1927, Scotland were unbeaten. was that the manager had paid Gallacher www.scotzine.com 39

The tragic end of a footballing genius

involved.

It was a difficult time for Gallacher and things just went from bad to worse, when his second wife Hannah died of a heart attack. Her death hit Hughie hard, sending him into a deep depression, and he turned to drink to seek a temporary escape from his troubles.

In May 1957 his youngest son Matthew was taken from his care after a domestic incident. Gallacher was said to have lost his temper and threw an ashtray which hit the boy in the head. It was a glancing blow, and he was wrong to do so, but what happened next was little short of a media-driven lynch-mob. Justice was nowhere to be seen, and the media and public gossip saw him branded as ‘guilty of assault’ without the issue having gone to trial.

He was wracked with guilt over the incident and when sections of the media went in for the kill, he was at an all time low. A friend quoted him as saying, “It’s no Profile good fighting this thing now. They have got me on this one. My life is finished. It’s Name: Hugh Kilpatrick Gallacher no use fighting when you know you can’t Date of Birth: 2 February 1903 Place of Birth: Bellshill, Scotland win.”

Place of Death: 11 June 1957 Gallacher was eventually summoned to Height: 5ft 5 in (1.65m) appear before Gateshead magistrates Position: Centre Forward court on the 12 June 1957, but the football legend never made it. The day before, Senior Career at 12.08, he jumped in front of the York Club App(Gls) to Edinburgh express train close to his Years 1921 Queen of the South 90 (19) home.

1921-25 Airdrieonians 111 (91) 160 (133) Before he committed suicide, Gallacher 1925-30 Newcastle United 132 (72) had written a letter of apology which 1930-34 Chelsea 51 (38) was read at the inquest. It said, “I’ll never 1934-36 Derby County 1936-37 Notts County 45 (32) forgive myself for having struck Matthew, 1937-38 Grimsby Town 12 (3) even if I live to be a hundred.”

1938-39 Gateshead 34 (18) Today’s media coverage of the life of National Team App(Gls) footballers is even greater than in Hughie Years 20 (23) Gallacher’s days, with statistics, ratings 1924-35 Scotland and newspaper sales coming before the feelings and emotions of their subjects.

Then, just as now, perhaps we should be more mindful of the effect such intense pressure can have on the lives of those 40 www.scotzine.com

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