The passing of talent-spotting legend Bobby Dinnie has sparked a flurry of highly-merited tributes across the country, and rightly so.
Bobby Dinnie’s star boy, Kenny Dalglish in action for Celtic during the 70s. (Photo: Scottish News and Sport).
Bobby Dinnie will be remembered nationwide for discovering one of Britain’s best players in Kenny Dalglish at St Augustine’s Primary School in the north of Glasgow. It was a simple kickabout between a bunch of kids outside of school hours but something felt right and would change Bobby Dinnie’s life forever.
Bobby Dinnie once said, “I accidentally came across young Kenny as a 12-year-old boy and since then my phone hasn’t stopped ringing.”
There are not many who don’t know how far Kenny Dalglish went in the game but Bobby Dinnie didn’t stop there. He would find himself at the helm of one of the country’s leading youth football clubs, Possil YM, where a succession of young talent continually flowed towards Highbury from the North Glasgow institute before Bobby linked his academy to other clubs in the English league; with Aston Villa, Sunderland and Coventry City becoming beneficiaries of the famous Possil YMCA production line.
The appointment of John Greig as Rangers manager would prove another milestone for Bobby Dinnie after the Ibrox icon entrusted Bobby to look after the Rangers youth department. It was a move that once again proved successful until Graeme Souness arrived in 1986 and the structure changed.
John Greig said of Bobby:
John Greig worked closely with Bobby Dinnie at Rangers during the 80s. (Photo: Daily Record).
“When I first met Bobby Dinnie, he immediately impressed me with, not only his football knowledge, but he was also an outstanding kind of person who we would wish to represent your club when speaking to the parents of young players.”
The move would provide a conveyor belt at Rangers and it didn’t take long before Robert Fleck, Gary McSwegan, Sandy Robertson – some of many – would go on to play for the Rangers first team.
Bobby Dinnie’s connection to Barr’s Irn Bru. (Photo: AG Barr).
The Dinnie family are very well-known but you’d never guess as Bobby was never one to brag or boast. He was a relative of the iconic strongman used in the logo for Barr’s Irn Bru.
Donald Dinnie, was once the world’s strongest man.
Donald Dinnie, once the world’s strongest man, and thought to be the first athlete to endorse a product, paving the way for other athletes to forge lucrative partnerships with global brands.
Bobby’s young nephew Allan Dinnie played for Partick Thistle and Dundee and the scout legend is also related to a host of others who made their name in the world of sport including boxer Robert Nicol – who Benny Lynch regarded as his hardest opponent (they were from the same stable).
Being a Glasgow boy, football was always going to play a huge part in Bobby’s life. Humour, also, is inescapable when you grow up in the city and during a war and hardship, both the fitba and laughter were great remedies for the horrors that unfolded. In his book, ‘The Scout: The Bobby Dinnie Story’, Bobby reflects much more about his football life but it does begin with a classic line filled with serious humour. In his book, he writes:
“I asked my wife, Betty, if she would like to go to the United States for our honeymoon. Naturally she was ecstatic. What I didn´t tell her at the time was I was taking 18 players with us… to play in a football tournament.”
Bobby also served during the Korean War where he survived after being shot in the neck. He recalled the night he almost never came home after carrying out a routine foot patrol with his buddy:
A young Bobby Dinnie serving his country.
“At times we’d take turns to go out there to listen for any noises and to try and establish where our enemy was located. On one particular evening’s watch a young man by the name of Robert Marshall and I were doing our duties in the trench when all of a sudden there was a huge bang that rang in my ears, so close it was and I didn’t need to think about how near we both were to immediate danger. Robert and I had taken a hit, both of us ironically took one each to the neck. The jolt threw me on top of Robert. The medics were swift to act and at times of great emergency we can sometimes underestimate the importance of speed together with the professional way they conduct their precise work. Both Robert and I were carried off into the medical HQ to be treated. I can remember very clearly one of the medical staff telling one of his colleagues: “I’m afraid that’s Robert gone.” It was a great shock to me as he had just joined our company days before.”
In 2015 Bobby Dinnie was a finalist in the Daily Record’s ‘Our Heroes’ award and as always, was very humbled and bashful to be recognized for his work. Bobby never thought about himself. it was always about the others. If he could help someone, he would go all out and nothing was ever a problem for him.
He spoke highly of the people who helped him run Possil YM. He has often credited his many helpers at the club and in his local community. He once said: ‘I was very fortunate to be surrounded by great people at the club and in the local community. Without their support, we would never have been so successful. Everyone played their part no matter how big or small and this helped us tremendously.”
Many who didn’t make it in football would make it in other walks of life thanks to the guidance and wisdom from one of Glasgow’s greatest unsung icons, Bobby Dinnie M.B.E.
He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all who knew him.
If you played amateur football in East Kilbride in the 1980s and 90s you’ll no doubt have come across the popular goalkeeper affectionately known as ‘Scrubber’, a commanding, vocal, and organising goalkeeper who could be regularly seen and heard bossing his 18-yard box.
Alan Walker, back row, fourth from the right, in pink top during his Duncanrig era.
‘Scrubber’, whose real name is Alan Walker, spent twelve years between the sticks with Duncanrig A.F.C. but appeared for other clubs including Sunday league outings and latterly towards the end of his career had a spell with Rolls Royce.
For those who know Alan Walker personally, there aren’t enough superlatives to hand out. As commanding a figure he was on the pitch, he was also the centrepiece at social events, such was his likeable character and bubbly personality.
For those who didn’t know him personally but came up against him on the pitch, respected him greatly, such was his ability and his commanding aura.
Alan was not the tallest of goalkeepers, but he made up for not being 6ft 4” with his power, agility and bravery.
A spokesperson told Maranovo, “’Big Scrubber’” was the hardest goalie to beat. You would be a fool to think you could chip a ball over him as he wasn’t the tallest goalie going around, but he would scare you with his athleticism. You’d also be a fool to think you could go around him in a one-on-one situation, but he was extremely quick getting down to the ball on either side. That’s how good he was.”
Another said: “Big Alan was very intelligent. He could read things long before they happened. It wasn’t guesswork; he knew exactly where to position himself and he knew where to position his defenders too. He was always yelling out instructions to his back line but in a very encouraging way. He was a very commanding figure.”
Alan ‘Scrubber’ Walker, hailed as one of the town’s iconic figures during the 80s and 90s.
Goalkeepers don’t get noticed that much unless they make mistakes but Alan was always instantly recognised – not for any mistakes – but for the way he conducted himself in his area. He took his football seriously and was a great team player. Like all good team goalies, he had no problem throwing himself at the feet of an oncoming threat. He never flinched or shirked a challenge; whether that being a cross ball going into his crowded area or dealing with point blanks. Alan was never afraid. He was a one-hundred percenter in every aspect.
Alan spoke fondly of his time at Duncanrig A.F.C. in their 50th anniversary book. He had nothing but praise for everyone at the club and even took the time to say a special mention to a young goalkeeper Mark Robertson who was looking for Alan’s number 1 jersey. In the book, he recalls his best trophy-winning moment with ‘The Rig’.
He said: “Out of all the success we had at the club I’d say winning the Y.M. Tournament was the best to win. Being a tournament in East Kilbride it meant the winners would have the bragging rights in the town. It was a tough tournament because you were up against the very best amateur clubs in East Kilbride who were all playing in very good leagues. The teams taking part all had really good players so it was always a tough tournament to win.”
Speaking of the Y.M., Alan recalls his best save being against them. He fondly remembers a league game at Brancumhall against the Y.M. “One of the Y.M. players headed the ball towards the top corner, postage stamp area, top bin, of the goal from a corner kick and nobody expected me to get to the ball. It was a full-length dive to prevent the ball from going in. I got a hand to it but as it dropped down, the ball fell to an oncoming striker. I was quick enough to position myself where I made a second save, knocking the ball round the post.”
Aside from being an astute goalie, many in the town reckon Alan could have gone on to play at the highest level in the game; if not the junior ranks. A Maranovo spokesperson said: “Some of Alan’s saves were incredible but he was also good with his feet. Back then most goalkeepers went for length in their kick-outs hoping to hit the big target man up front but Alan could literally pick a winger out or an ongoing full-back pushing high up. his accuracy was that of a skilful midfielder. He was very highly regarded.
What ‘big Scrubber’ would have looked like as an NFL player.
Alan (‘Scrubber’) Walker will go down as one of the most iconic figures of the amateur game in East Kilbride with his trademark headband and a figure resembling an NFL player with gravity-defying athleticism. They certainly don’t make them like ‘Scrubber’ anymore, that’s for sure. He was a complete one-off.
These days, the sport-loving dad lives a quiet life working hard shifts at a well-known brand in town but always stops for a chat and always finds time for anyone who wishes to talk about the beautiful game.
Maranovo Remembers ‘Mr Mac’, a Great Local Father of Football
There are many, many icons of the beautiful game that are recognised, and there are many, many greats that often go unrecognised. Those greats who don’t get anywhere near the recognition are usually found at the grassroots level of the game; dedicating 7-days-a-week (and more nights on than off) so that youngsters in the community can enjoy a game of organised football.
John McSherry (photo: East Kilbride News)
One of those greats, unrecognisable to the world, but very well-known in and around East Kilbride and surrounding areas, was a great footballing father figure named John McSherry who spent many years at E.K.Y.C.
Maranovo remembers Mr McSherry with great affection in a tribute fit for a legend.
It was a cold and damp evening in late January 1978. I was barely two weeks into my new home in Calderwood, East Kilbride when a gentleman knocked on my door asking to speak to me. My mother had no idea who this man was and called for my dad to attend to matters. I could hear my dad inviting the gentleman in. I was oblivious as to who it could be. It certainly wasn’t a schoolteacher as I hadn’t registered yet as we were still settling in and the weather played a part in my extended time off.
Two weeks into my new life in East Kilbride I only knew a handful of kids in my street. We knocked the ball around in the dark at night in Long Calderwood Primary School. That was all I knew then it suddenly hit me, this gentleman had come to the house to complain about me playing football in the school at night…in the dark! My dad summoned me from my bedroom and as I entered the living-room, I was convinced that the man in my house was the janitor of the school. I was done for, I thought.
To my surprise, my dad said: “This is Mr McSherry. He’s from E.K.YC. a football club. He saw you playing and wants to sign you.” I was astonished. The previous club that I played for was Spurs Boys’ Club in Drumchapel, where I originated from but nobody back there signed anything. As organised as it was, it wasn’t a clipboard and folder type of club.
Mr McSherry’s impression on me was instant. He was in a suit, shirt and tie, immaculately turned out and his manners were impeccable. A real gentleman. As fate would have it, both my dad and Mr McSherry had mutual friends from their earlier days growing up in Glasgow. It was meant to be.
Due to the weather, matches and training were cancelled but I was invited to the changing rooms at Whitemoss where we’d take part in a road run of a few short miles. Luckily for me, running was a huge part of my game. I loved running. Off I went, I met Mr McSherry at the entrance and in his typical professional manner, he took me inside and introduced me to the other players. Only Mr McSherry had seen me play. It would be another two weeks before I made my official debut in the famous yellow shirt.
We ran around the streets via the Whirlies and up the Kingsway. I loved it. When I look back now, I can tell you, that was some team. I got to know many top youth players such as Jim Jackson, Derek Rennie, Alex McFadyen, Martin Reid, Alan Murdoch, Joe McGurn, Tommy Rutherford, and many others. The dressing room was full of young aspiring leaders who were very competitive. In particular, Mr McSherry’s own son John, who had the heart of a lion and could play a bit too.
They were very fit and I can see the how and the why. Mr McSherry set standards. Everything was detailed. Your boots had to be spotless. Your mannerisms and presentation were just as vital because they reflected how you were on the pitch. I played with my shirt hanging over my shorts. I soon found out that Mr McSherry didn’t like that. He would often say, “If you want to be a football player you first have to look like one.” He was right. He was very big on discipline and presentation. I would instil these into my own life and as a coach later on.
EKYC’s Mr Mac celebrates with other distinguished gentlemen. (Photo: EKYC)
I loved the running, I am not going to lie, but I was desperate to play my first game. That day would arrive on a cold Saturday morning in February. I was handed the number 8 shirt. For a 13-year-old boy, this felt amazing to be part of a great set-up. We won 2-1. I scored and assisted the other. Mr McSherry was very pleased with my debut and he made it clear that I had an excellent start to my life at E.K.Y.C. He was very encouraging and this made me feel at ease.
I spent two years at E.K.Y.C. with my second stint not as consistent. The lure of going back to Drumchapel each weekend would prove too much and I left the Y.C. Mr McSherry would once again visit my home where he’d try to talk me out of leaving. It was so unfortunate. I would return years later, though, in a different role.
I always thought of Mr McSherry. He was such an influence. He approached me again when his under-18s would play in a higher division, playing against the most prominent youth clubs in the country. I was already with Kilbowie Union in the Clydebank area and coming from that end of town, the lure of playing alongside guys I had known since childhood would prove too difficult to return to the Y.C.
It would be years later when a chance encounter with my old mentor, Mr Mac, when he gave me the responsibility of training his under-18s for a season. It would prove to be fruitful and resulted in reaching a cup final at Hampden. Despite the defeat, the group of lads were hailed for their hard work and for putting everything they had – and more – into that season. I always say that group of boys were one of the best that I was involved with.
Years later I would continue playing in the lower leagues in Germany before becoming a technical trainer to professional youths in the Bundesliga and establishing a career as an international talent scout and adviser. I can honestly say, with great pride, that it was without question, the influence of great men in my life from my own father and Mr McSherry.
I rubbed shoulders with World Cup winners and developed friendships with some of the game’s biggest names. My journey in the life of football was far from conventional but it was extremely interesting. I remember coaching in Germany and thinking of Mr Mac. He was never far away from my thoughts because to be honest, it was his early guidance that I drew upon that helped me make a name for myself in a very tough environment. I used to pinch myself how a humble Drumchapel boy who would move to East Kilbride could live and work in a country that has won 4 World Cups, 3 European Championships and countless European trophies at club level…and be successful at it…then I am reminded of Mr Mac’s famous words:
“You need 2 As to make it in football. Ability and Application. You can have all the talent in talent in the world but if you don’t apply yourself it’s no use.”
I never got the chance to tell Mr Mac all the things I wanted to tell him but I hope his family read this. They must have been blessed to have such a hugely influential figure as a father, a husband and a grandfather. They were very lucky to have that sort of greatness looking after them. I know I was and although we only had a couple of small windows in our lives; those windows were massive for me because they opened up a whole new world, thanks to Mr John ‘Mr Mac’ McSherry.
He truly was a highly-respected figure in town and even those who didn’t make the grade, I am certain his early guidance helped those excel in other walks of life, such was the extent of his aura and wisdom.
Thank you, Mr Mac, for everything you did for us. We will never forget.
The beautiful game has seen many players achieve incredible feats on the field. Among these feats, scoring goals remains one of the most celebrated achievements. Throughout the history of football, a handful of players have etched their names in the history books by scoring the most goals in a single season.
In part one of our Local Legends, we highlight a gifted centre-forward from the east end of Glasgow, whose remarkable goal-scoring exploits leave greats such as Gerd Muller and Dixie Dean so far behind they’d need to get a supporters’ bus to catch up.
Plying his trade in the rough and tumble amateur ranks in and around the city of Glasgow, 6ft 1’ striker, William Hill was a sure bet to score every time he pulled on the coveted number 9 shirt for his clubs.
He was a typical Glasgow boy born and raised from humble origins. Football was more than an outlet; it was a way of life.
William, from a hardworking working-class family, would spend hours each day honing his skills within touching distance of Celtic’s iconic stadium. At that particular time in the 1970s, Celtic Football Club had more than enough legends to look up to, but it was those of a continental persuasion that William looked up to the most as he’d stand back in awe watching their greatness unfold before his young eyes under the floodlights or in front of the TV watching World Cup classics.
Dutch legend Johan Cruyff.
From meeting Dutch icon Johan Cruyff at a very young age and capturing supreme moments on TV during the 1978 World Cup where Argentina’s first World Cup hero, Mario Kempes, would capture 12-year-old William’s imagination, William soon developed his own brand in the game: scoring goals and scoring them for fun.
There are records of William’s goals scattered throughout notebooks from managers of his former clubs and there are many who can verify the numbers, but they’ll also tell you in the manner of how he scored an incredible 112 goals in one single season. Unlike records of goalscorers today, you won’t find many penalties among those 112 goals. What you will find, however, are diving headers, the odd overhead kick, volleys, tap-ins, rounding the keeper and the full range of headers from bullets from six yards to left and right-sided glances and flick-ons. He wasn’t short on variation.
El Matador, one of William’s heroes.
During the 80s, William Hill adopted the nickname of Willie van Basten (after another Dutch legend Marco van Basten). A great compliment indeed from one of the game’s greatest-ever finishers.
Ally McCoist once said, “You can’t really coach someone to score goals. It’s more of a natural thing, to be honest,” and in William Hill’s situation, this was clearly the case.
His goal tally would attract the interest of junior clubs and Partick Thistle. Turning out for the Jags and Ayrshire junior outfit Troon resulted in netting for both the junior and professional ranks with ease…such was his natural ability to score goals.
A spokesperson said of William’s goalscoring records: “When Willie played, you were guaranteed goals. Back then, nobody got any preferential treatment but because Willie travelled a lot to games, he was excused from training during the week. All the other players were fine with this as long as he did the business on the pitch – and he certainly did. He paid us all back with his goals.”
Another spokesperson added: “I often wonder how good Willie could be if he did train more than playing. He had so much striking ability he didn’t really need to train but if he did, I can just imagine he might have gone all the way in the game.”
Another added: “I was fortunate enough to have trained and played alongside some of the game’s most recognized strikers such as Frank Stapleton and many more but Willie was by far the best striker I had the privilege to have played with. Anything and everything inside that box was his. Two and three goals each game was nothing for him; whereas I was happy with one goal a season.”
“You can’t really coach someone to score goals. It’s more of a natural thing, to be honest.” – Ally McCoist
Much-travelled William Hill mapped out a goalscoring record from humble origins.
An avid music lover – and for many years ran his own DJ entertainment business – the humble east end boy tops the charts of a list of iconic names.
These days William Hill lives a relatively quiet life and spends a lot of it watching his beloved American football.
Below is a list of some of these exceptional players who have showcased their prowess by finding the back of the net with astonishing frequency.
Lionel Messi (Barcelona, 2011-2012)
Lionel Messi, often regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, had an unforgettable season in 2011-2012 with FC Barcelona. During this campaign, Messi scored an astonishing 73 goals in official competitions, breaking numerous records. His scoring spree included 50 goals in La Liga, 14 in the UEFA Champions League, and the remainder in domestic cup competitions. Messi’s extraordinary ability to dribble past defenders and his lethal finishing made him unstoppable that season.
Gerd Müller (Bayern Munich, 1972-1973)
Gerd Müller, known as “Der Bomber,” was a prolific striker for Bayern Munich and the West Germany national team. In the 1972-1973 season, Müller scored an impressive 67 goals in official matches. He was renowned for his incredible goal-scoring instinct and ability to position himself perfectly in the penalty box. His record stood for decades before being surpassed by Messi.
Dixie Dean (Everton, 1927-1928)
One of the earliest legends of English football, Dixie Dean’s 1927-1928 season with Everton is still talked about today. Dean scored an incredible 60 goals in the English First Division (now known as the Premier League). This record remains the highest number of league goals scored in a single English top-flight season. Dean’s heading ability and physical prowess were key to his success.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid, 2014-2015)
Cristiano Ronaldo, another player frequently mentioned in the ‘greatest of all time’ debates, had a phenomenal season with Real Madrid in 2014-2015. Ronaldo netted 61 goals across all competitions, demonstrating his exceptional athleticism, versatility, and scoring ability. His contributions helped Real Madrid secure multiple victories and further solidified his status as a soccer icon.
Josef Bican (Slavia Prague, 1943-1944)
Josef Bican, a lesser-known name to many modern fans, was an outstanding goal scorer during his time. Playing for Slavia Prague in the 1943-1944 season, Bican scored 57 goals in the Czechoslovak First League. Bican’s incredible speed and technical skills made him a nightmare for defenders, and he remains one of the most prolific goal scorers in soccer history.
Summary:
These players have achieved remarkable feats by scoring the most goals in a single season, each leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Their dedication, skill, and passion for the game continue to inspire future generations of players and fans alike. Whether it was through Messi’s magical dribbles or Müller’s clinical finishing, these goal-scoring machines have set standards that are admired worldwide. No matter the level, scoring goals is not an easy task and records are notably reserved for those born to score goals.
Our Local Legend, William Hill, is one of those born and destined to find the net.
