A LONG lost musical tribute to legendary Dundee United goalkeeper Hamish McAlpine by 1970s pop icon Leo Sayer has finally been unearthed.

More than two years after the search for Sayer’s rendition began, the lost gem has been found and will be played at United’s next home game against Living- ston on September 17.

Big-haired crooner Sayer recorded a rendition of Dundee singer Michael Marra’s song, Hamish, for McAlpine’s testimonial in 1983.

The quest to find the recording began when Dundee United’s stadium announcer Pat Kelly was working on his Wave 102 request show in 2003.

A listener called to ask if he had heard Sayer singing a version of Marra’s song and if he would play it.

Pat was gutted when Sayer expressed his sadness after being unable to find his copy.

He also contacted Dundee songwriter Michael Marra, who was also unable to locate the song but promised Pat would be the first to know if the recording ever surfaced.

It was found by chance when Michael Marra’s son Matthew was going through Michael’s huge collection of tapes and found Leo Sayer’s version of Hamish.

Uncompleted in as much as it probably required final mixing and more instruments to be added, it has been put on to CD by Groucho’s record exchange owner Alistair Brodie.

“I was quite shocked when I got the Email from Alastair Brodie saying Mick Marra’s son Matthew had found the song,” said Pat.

“When you consider the number of years Mike has been playing, then I can only imagine, if he’s anything like me, he has vast volumes of tapes and stuff.

“It really is an amazing find. I’m really looking forward to letting the fans hear this classic song at our next home game against Livingston on 17 September.

“I’m sure the interest will be huge amongst the Dundee United faithful.”

Pat is trying to pass on a copy to Leo Sayer, who was unable to find his own copy.

Leo recalled, “The song is about Hamish McAlpine, the hero goalie of Dundee United, and particularly the wonderful night that Monaco came to Tannadice in the European Cup, describing Hamish’s performance and how Grace Kelly was spotted in front of the Taylor Brothers Coal sign.

“The song was written for his testimonial game by another local hero—songwriter Michael Marra. When I met him in London we became instant friends.

“When, among other songs, he played me Hamish, I thought it was great and had to record it.”

Although Leo’s version was lost, the words of Michael Marra’s song have forever been remembered by the United faithful and can still be heard ringing out at Tannadice.

“I was at the session and it was a great version he did,” said Michael Marra.

Sayer left Britain in 2004 in protest at the state of the music industry and moved to Australia, where he still has a loyal fan base. He had a string of hits in the 1970s including When I Need You and You Make Me Feel Like Dancing.

Hamish McAlpine spent 20 years at Tannadice after joining United in 1966 from Butterburn Youth Club, and made 687 appearances for the Terrors.

He made his debut in 1969 and was a mainstay in the famous Jim McLean side, which had back-to-back league cup wins in 1979 and 1980 and won the league championship in 1983.

He took penalty kicks, played with his bare hands, and it is said he once booted a ball from Tannadice Park all the way into Dens Park.

Hamish appears on Michael Marra’s album On Stolen Stationery. It is hoped that Sayer’s rendition will be included on an album of club songs.