Tuesday, 12 January 2010

Goalkeepers of Old

Charlie Ross
Charlie played in the 60's and 70's combining his love of football with his love of music. he was the custodian for many years only work commitments stopping the amount of games he played, work took him away and with a young family he had no real choice. He was a very able and competent keeper and his defenders always did as they were told...you would with a policeman behind you.

Dennis Charman
Despite the handicap of being from over the border Dennis was a true gentleman who gave his heart and soul to Tain football. He had to face an even bigger handicap when it was discovered he had cancer in his knee (I know, I was in the bed next to him). To see one of your heroes taken to get most of their leg taken away was heartbreaking. Despite this setback Dennis returned and ran the junior teams with a passion that was inspiring.

Wattie Wlodaraczxwyxq (i dont know how to spell it)
He played a few games and he had a hat.

John Irvine
Multi-talented footballer who's skills didn't just rely on goalkeeping, he was a brilliant striker as well...centre back if called on. Family life stopped John from going to a bigger club, but his sons were all talented footballers. If you ever watch lower league football and had seen John Irvine play you will understand what I mean.

DJ McCarthy
Another superbly talented player who put his heart at soul into the now defunct Tain St Duthus. Once again due to work commitments he had to step down but he will always be a legend. Hopefully DJ's son will play for Tain Thistle in the future.

Saturday, 7 November 2009

Memories

When I started watch Tain they were playing in the amateur league, against the like of Tore who lost their pitch when the roundabout was built. As a young boy, every away game was an adventure because we always went on a double decker bus. It was always full, with the players on one level and the supporters on another.

Some days went well, some not so good but it brings back some great memories. Then the committee decide to step up to the Second XI league. Ross County and Clachnaccudin were involved and Tain's first game was against a strong Ross County team.

Sitting on the Gallows Hill watching your team on a lovely summer's day after they had stepped up a league was amazing and to see them get a 1-1 draw was even better.