Tom Black is becoming a regular contributor to BwB with his wide range of views.
His latest offering is in response to Rob Boag’s observation (February 3) that some great Dundee footballing talent never made that elusive step up to the senior grade.
“In the 1940s and 1950s, youngsters aged 14-15 needed to leave school to find work to contribute to family finances,” said Tom, of Lawside Road, Dundee.
“If a boy could get an apprenticeship, that could lead to a lifetime of well-paid work.
“Most top players were lucky to earn a living from football beyond their 30s.
“Even a top footballer wouldn’t have earned that much more than a top tradesman at that time.
“I was at school with George Harrow, who played for the Scottish Schoolboys and then for Forfar Athletic in the C Division.
“However, I think that was his high point.
“It was also good to see the article with goalkeeper Bill Brown (also Feb 3) in action off the pitch (shooting pigeons in the Dens Park stand and enclosure).
“Bill was one who did make it to the very top.”
Bill played over 200 times each for Dundee and Tottenham Hotspur, and gained 28 caps for Scotland.
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