A few months back, sad news emerged that former Dundee FC striker Billy Ritchie died after a long illness.
Billy played in dark blue for just one season in 1955-56 but it was quite remarkable as he averaged over a goal every second game, netting eight times in 13 first-team appearances.
His lack of top-team opportunities was due, perhaps, to the No 9 shirt mainly being held by George Merchant, who was generally the Dee’s top scorer at that time, and who had the nickname ‘The Merchant of Menace’.
One of Dundee’s most notable results came in a non-league or cup game during Ritchie’s time at Dens – a friendly against Manchester United.
Ritchie, who joined the Dee from local junior side Osborne, didn’t score in the 5-1 win at Dens Park against Bobby Charlton and the Red Devils on April 9, 1956, who were known then as the Busby Babes.
George Merchant did, though, netting a hat-trick. Alan Cousin and George O’Hara getting the others in the nap hand success.Indeed, I don’t even know if Ritchie was in the line-up which took to the field against the Old Trafford side.
Can anyone supply that information? Can you help John? Email: jbrown@dcthomson.co.uk
This article originally appeared on the Evening Telegraph website. For more information, read about our new combined website.