Amusing as it was, several BwB readers seem to have cast minor doubt over my story of Bill Brown shooting down pigeons from the main Dens Park stand on a Saturday morning.
Unbelievable as it may seem, you have to remember that time was in the pre-health and safety era, and no-one had heard of the phrases ‘animal rights’ and ‘politically correct’.
So, it is with glee that I received correspondence from Dundee fan Mark Robertson.
And Mark hints that Bill’s pastime may have had something to do with Dundee’s worst-ever result bar none!
“Re your article on December 16 about Bill Brown shooting pigeons in the Dens Park stand. I can confirm the story is true,” said Mark.
“In the Sporting Post on January 24, 1959, there was an article on Bill’s part-time job as he prepared for the following week’s Scottish Cup tie at Fraserburgh.
“Perhaps Bill may have enrolled some of the other players into the pigeon shooting as their minds weren’t on football. Notoriously, they became the first Scottish League side to go out of the Scottish Cup to Highland League opposition.
“One record that Bill could be proud of that season was the fact that Dundee’s league defensive record was only bettered by Motherwell.”
Have you got a story to share with John? Email: jbrown@dcthomson.co.uk
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