Dennis Gillespie is, rightly, a legend at Dundee United.
I got to know him personally late in his career when he was with Brechin. So I was alerted to a cutting, dated April 9, 1972, which stated…
“Dennis Gillespie is being given a free transfer,” Dundee United manager Jim McLean announced last night.
The Tannadice boss went on to say: “I would like to personally pay tribute to the great service Dennis has given to the club both on and off the field.
“He has been offered a part-time job with the club training the part-time players, but he would like to get another club and continue playing.
“There is no rush for Dennis to give us a definite answer.
“The job will remain open until he decides where his future lies.
“We also hope to raise a testimonial game for him.”
Manager McLean would like Dennis to stay at the club he joined from Alloa Athletic 13 years ago for £3,000.
He has often been described as United’s best-ever bargain.
He played a big part in helping United win promotion the following year and in their subsequent years in the First Division.
Probably the greatest highlight of Dennis’ time at Tannadice was the home and away double victory against Barcelona in 1966-67 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
The 2-1 first leg victory at Camp Nou was the first-ever competitive victory in Spain by a British club.
The player opted to sign for Brechin City and went on to play nearly 100 games for the Glebe Park outfit.
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