Charlie Adam’s well-publicised recent goal from his own half for Stoke City against Chelsea was the subject of a chat by “A Dundee Fan” as he/she signed a rare posted letter to BwB.
“My friend and I were in a cafe the other day, discussing the recent wonderful goal by Charlie Adam against Chelsea,” he opened.
“We were interrupted by a man sitting behind us who said it wasn’t the longest goal on record.
“The man who has that accolade is Les Barr, he said.
“According to him, Les scored a 75-yard goal while playing for Montrose against Hibs in 1975.
“The Hibees goalkeeper in that game was Jim McArthur, he further said.
“I believe Les also played for Dundee.
“Could you verify this for us?”
I certainly remember Les scoring that goal in that midweek match but am not sure of the yardage.
I would seriously doubt if it is the longest in Scotland, Britain or the world for that matter as there have been many instances of goals such as this, not least from goalkeepers’ kicks from hand.
Indeed, the Montrose website (www.montrosefc.co.uk) gives it as 60 yards.
The Links Park outfit’s website describes Les thus . . .
His nickname “The Legend” sums up this man’s contribution to the club.
Signed from Stobswell Juniors in 1971 as a right-winger, he quickly endeared himself to fans with his attacking skills, rasping shot and free-kick and penalty prowess.
Injuries to other squad members saw Les move back into the full-back role, where he was a revelation.
He was at the heart of all the great achievements of the mid-70s, most famously the 60-yard winner in the League Cup quarter-final against Hibs.
He also had Montrose 1-0 up from the penalty spot at half-time in the semi-final against Rangers.
From right-back, he scored a phenomenal 16 times (including penalties) in season 1975-76 and, in all, 63 goals in over 200 appearances before joining Dundee in 1978.
After helping Dundee into the Premier League and picking up a League Cup runners-up medal in season 80/81, he returned to Links Park in 1982 and was rewarded with a Division Two championship medal in 84/85 when he was an ever-present.
Les eventually retired in 1989 but not before one final act of giant-killing when Hearts were beaten 2-0 at Tynecastle in 1986.
As stated above, Les, of course, was also with Dundee and started 121 times in dark blue from 1978 to 1982, with a further eight appearances as substitute.
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