Blether with Brown: Russell was an ‘uncompromising centre-half’

Several readers came in with names of the players in that YM photo, and quick off the mark was current Tayport Juniors FC supremo Abby Oswald.

“Not that I can ever remember any of them playing but I’m sure second from right in the back row is Russell Powrie,” offered Abby. “He was my predecessor as Midlands AFA secretary.”

Also confirming Russell in the photo was current Midlands AFA honorary secretary Ally Martin.

“Russell was a long-standing servant for YM and I understand his playing style was described as ‘an uncompromising centre-half’,” said Ally, of Broughty United AFC.

“Russell went on to serve the Midlands AFA committee as treasurer and then secretary from 1951-1989. He was made a Life Member of the Midlands AFA in 1969 and a Life Member of the Scottish Amateur Football Association in 1987”.

Ally continued: “YM won the league championship in 1950 (the date of the photograph) in a period when they won the title 11 times in a row from 1934-1953, though there was no competition between 1940-46 due to the war. Russell, to my knowledge, stays in Wormit, with whom he finished his playing days.

“YM Anchorage were founder members of the Midlands AFA from 1926 and competed every season until their demise in 1993.”

Most of back row namedSheila Valentine was able to name others especially her uncle and father.

“The back row (from left) was Bob Petrie, Bill McNab, Bruce McGregor Jimmy Fleming and Russell Powrie,” said Sheila, wife of UEFA referee delegate Bob. “Unfortunately, I don’t know the player on the extreme right.

“In the front row, the only player I know for sure is Charlie Gray in the centre. The players on either side of him could be Bain and Young.”

“Bob was my uncle and my dad Donald MacDougall was the secretary of the Anchorage for many years.

“My dad used to take me with him to watch their games but I was just a toddler at the time of the 1950-51 team in the photograph. However, a number of the team played on for many years and then became committee men.”

Difficult to dispossessI’ve referrred to George Johnston in the past as a “regular contributor” to BwB but I hadn’t heard from him in a while. The Dundonian, now living in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, also responded to the YM picture.

“That was a good Anchorage team of 1950-51 and it still contained seven or eight of the successful team of 1948,” said George. “The guy sitting on the extreme right in the front row was a strong left-winger who was difficult to dispossess.

“There was a Reserve League for clubs at that time who had a second team, and ‘Anchor’ usually did well in that, too.

“Charlie Gray was captain and a vocal director of operations on the field. He had a spell with Raith Rovers before or during the war.

“Also in the team was Jack Johnston and he was known locally as a Hearts of Midlothian player but I can’t find any reference to him playing in their first team. Considering the star-studded Hearts forward line immediately post-war, I am not surprised but he was quick when you played against him.

“He opened the batting for Dundee High School FP cricket team, too.

“It seems unlikely but we did have a British Army football team playing in India during the war and Jack was playing alongside the great Tommy Walker of Hearts. I say ‘unlikely’ because of the heat but, come to think of it, I did have the occasional kickabout in Egypt post-war.

“Both Charlie and Jack gave good service as officials for the Midland FA before Jack emigrated to Australia and became a wine and spirits merchant there.”

The Reserve League George referred to was the Midlands AFA Alliance League and it is still up and running today, with two divisions operating last season.

Charlie ran the teamStuart Young, of the Lothians, offered: “Bobby Petrie is extreme left in top row, goalkeeper is Bruce McGregor and Russell Powrie is two along from Bruce in the top row.

“Charlie Gray is centre in the front row. Charlie was a great character and ran the team all the time I played. For what it is worth, I reckon original contributor Gordon Reid has some detail wrong.

“The Windsor game where he caused a replay was not a final, as that year we played Kinrossie at Coupar Angus and drew 4-4. We replayed at North End Park and won 4-2.

“It is good to know that you have received some replies. I would appreciate seeing any photos of later teams if someone has any as these were very enjoyable times.

“Let me know when your next article will be published as Evening Telegraphs are not easy to come by in Bonnyrigg!”

Only ever sent off oncePeter Rennie, of Victoria Road, Dundee, also recognised Charlie Gray and Russell Powrie in the YM photo.

“I was only ever sent off once in my time playing football and that was during my time with Morgan FP in the Midlands AFA,” revealed Peter.

“I was sent off for swearing . . . not, I may add, AT a referee but TO a referee. Russell was on the disciplinary committee at the time and he hit me with a double dunt.

“Firstly, I was suspended for two weeks as a player, then he added a further two weeks for my role as a Morgan FP official!

“And the other funny thing about that was the letter sent out to me confirming these suspensions was typed by a girl I knew at the time.”