Over the coming weeks, I’ll share some of the information unearthed when perusing through our cuttings files.
A cutting, dated February 17, 1972, and under the headline ‘Arbroath sign Perth junior’, read:
Arbroath manager Bert Henderson made his second signing swoop in a fortnight when he secured the signature of Perth junior Derek Rylance, from Kinnoull.
Rylance, a cover-type centre-half, has had trials with St Johnstone and Dundee United, and Dundee were said to be anxious to watch him in action for his club against Vale of Leven this Saturday in the fifth round of the Scottish Junior Cup.
Bert also managed to grab centre-forward Billy Pirie, of Huntly, from in front of the noses of several clubs two weeks ago.
Bert watched Rylance play well for his club against Stobswell on Sunday and travelled to Perth on Wednesday night to sign him.
Rylance, 5 ft 10 in tall and weighing 11 st, will stay with Kinnoull for the time being — at least until their Scottish Junior Cup interest lasts.
East Fife, Morton and Crystal Palace were also interested in the centre-forward.
He has recently been cleared by the SFA to play in Scotland following a wrangle with South African club Arcadia, with whom he played for two seasons.
Further on in that same year, in August, Rylance would gain lifetime fame.
Arbroath, bottom of their League Cup group, travelled to Hampden, the temporary home of Celtic, and, remarkably, drew 3-3 with the Hoops.
Rylance netted a hat-trick. Not many people actually witnessed the feat live as the official attendance was given as just 4,962.
Celtic’s goals were scored by Cargill (og), Hood and Dalglish.
Rylance, playing at inside-left with No 10 on his back, had put the Red Lichties a goal up in 22 minutes, but, by the 57th minute, the hosts were 3-1 up. He then restored parity with counters in 68 and 77 minutes.
Arbroath lined up — Marshall; Milne, McAlpine; Cargill, Waddell, Winchester; Sellars, Cant, Pirie, Rylance, Payne. Sub — Robertson.
Celtic’s starting XI was — Connaghan; McGrain, Quinn; Hay, McNeill, Connolly; McLaughlin, Deans, Dalglish, Hood, Lennox. Sub — McCluskey.
Referee — E Thomson (Edinburgh).
Billy Pirie did very well for Arbroath and Aberdeen snapped him up.
Things didn’t go too well for him at Pittodrie, but Dundee took him to Dens Park. There, he scored goals for fun — very nearly an average of one per game — and now enjoys legendary status among the Dark Blues faithful.
If you have any stories to share or a query to put to John email: jbrown@eveningtelegraph.co.uk.
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