Blether with Brown: Frannies undefeated that season

Signed only as ‘Ex-Friary Man’, a letter popped onto my desk and started: “Re Jim McBride and St Francis season 1960-61.”

This was in reply to Jim’s tale from November 5 in which he wanted info or photos on St Francis from 60-61 to cheer up his old mate Jim Reilly, who is currently in hospital.

EFM continued: “They did, indeed, have a very successful season in 1960-61, lifting all the local trophies League Shield, Supplementary Cup, Keith Cup and Henderson Rosebowl.

“They were possibly undefeated that season apart from losing in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup to Saxone BC, of Kilmarnock.

“St Francis had a very talented side that season.

“Known locally as ‘The Frannies’, they had strong attacking full-backs in McBride and Brankin, and skilful midfielders such as Woods, Reilly and Clink.

“Wingers Hayes and Follan were tricky and fast, and centre-forward Joey Kindlen was free-scoring.

“Kindlen and Tommy Clink went on trial to Leeds United that season.

“Most of that team went on to play junior the following season.”