Over 40 turned up for the inaugural meeting of the Pensioners Group in the Penman Lounge this morning.
Speaking about their careers at Dens legends Danny Malloy, Kenny Cameron and Pat Liney held everyone spellbound for an hour of great fun. It was an honour to hear these guys speak.
Danny Malloy told many stories of days gone by. His favourite Dundee player was Doug Cowie and described Billy Steel as out of this world.
Inevitably someone asked him about his infamous meeting with Brian Clough when Cardiff played Middlesbrough. Cloughie was "trying to brak meh legs" the 81 year old said so when the ball was up the park he decked Cloughie with a right hook. The ref and linesmen saw nothing so he got away with it but admits to being ashamed of doing it.
He can't understand why any manager would play with one man up front in the modern game. A very funny man and still in fine form. His son who was with him is bringing a book out about his life next year.
Kenny Cameron also had some funny stories to relate. He and Alex Kinninmonth had been scouted whilst playing for Blairgowrie (the berrypickers). Dundee in those days was a club everyone wanted to play for and Kenny reckons we should have won more than that one league title in the 60's.
He claims he gets embarrassed when his magical Cup Final goal against Rangers is brought up and spoke with great fondness about Bob Shankly. Bob was a strict disciplinarian and if you weren't performing he'd rant and rave and swear like a trooper until he got the message across.
Charlie Cooke was the player Kenny said was the best he'd played with, though his best mate was Gilzean. He told me later he's still in touch with Gillie but sadly says his health isn't good at present.
Inevitably Pat Liney was asked about THAT penalty save against St Mirren. Discussion took place about what goal it was in and Pat settled a few arguments by pointing to the Provie Road end.
It was his dad who had told him that if St Mirren got a penalty Clunie always aimed for the top right hand corner. Pat was ready, took off to his right and modestly says "the ball hit my hand".
He had everyone in stitches with the story of what came after. Pat quickly threw the ball out to Gordon Smith who went on a mazy and dribbled past 3 players. Problem was the rest of the team were still patting the keeper on the back and Gordon found himself up front with no one to pass to. So he dribbled back to the halfway line until the team got back into position.
He is adament it should never have been a penalty as the ball was handled by a St Mirren player.
He got very emotional and had to put down the mike when talking about the great affinity between players and the fans. When you talk to Pat Liney it feels like you've known him all your life.
A great hour spent among 3 legends. As a youthful 60 year old I felt overawed among such gems from the past.