Former DC Thomson sports journalist Brian Wann has died at the age of 78, just six weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.
Brian spent the majority of his career as a football writer with the former People’s Journal and wrote under the name of Gordon Gray. He covered the fortunes of the city’s senior football teams and also looked after the minor soccer scene.
Born in Dundee, Brian grew up in the Linlathen area and was educated at Logie School. He joined DC Thomson & Co Ltd as a compositor in the company’s Bank Street offices.
He transferred to editorial in 1972 and was appointed a football writer on The People’s Journal, a weekly newspaper with editions across the country.
During his career Brian covered the glory days of Dundee United in the late 1970s and 1980s. He charted their league and European successes with great enthusiasm and professionalism despite being a Dundee FC supporter.
He also interviewed snooker legend Steve Davis who was appearing at an exhibition event in the Caird Hall in Dundee.
When the People’s Journal closed Brian transferred to The Courier and was a sub-editor before taking early retirement in 1992 at the age of 58. He continued to cover junior football as a correspondent for The Courier.
His main hobby was bowls and he was a member of the Hillcrest club for more than 30 years, winning a number of competitions.
Brian and wife Helen, who lived in the west end of the city, enjoyed many holidays abroad and regularly visited daughter Natalie and her family in Norwich.
Brian is survived by his wife and daughter and two grandchildren.