A rousing cheer rang out for a big match at Dens Park yesterday, but there was no game on and no dark blue-clad fans in the stadium.
And while it maybe was not as loud as the expected roars from the stadium today for Dundee FC’s title decider, for lifelong Dee fan Billy Simpson and his bride Anna Keltie the cheer marked the biggest occasion of their lives.
The couple tied the knot in bright sunshine at Dens Park Stadium in a ceremony watched by friends and family, who applauded loudly as the newlyweds shared their first kiss as a married couple.
As they settled down to their celebratory meal, Dundee FC manager Paul Hartley arrived to meet them and wish them all the best.
The occasion was made more poignant though, due to the fact Billy, 49, was recently diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy treatment at Ninewells Hospital.
However, Billy and Anna, 44, who live in Douglas, were determined to enjoy the occasion on Friday as well as today’s momentous match, where they will begin their honeymoon by taking their usual seats in the Bobby Cox stand.
Billy said: “I’m a lifelong Dundee FC fan and Anna is a converted fan she used to support Celtic. We’ve been together for 24 years but we only got engaged in January.
“We hadn’t planned to get married so soon but when we came back from Spain on holiday three weeks ago I had some pains and I went to the doctor.
“I was sent to Ninewells and got scans and they found tumours in my lungs, so I’m going through chemotherapy for that now.
“So we decided to bring the wedding forward and to have it at Dens is brilliant, I’ve always had a pull for Dens, my Dad brought me here when I was a kid,” he said.
Anna added: “It’s a coincidence that Dundee are going for the league championship at the same time and it’s brilliant that we’re here today.
“We’re starting the honeymoon at the Malmaison Hotel tonight and at Dens tomorrow.”
And their predictions for the score at the final whistle?
“Three nil,” Anna confidently stated. Billy added: “I think 2-0. I’ll settle for that.”