Previous articles in this column have highlighted Dundee United’s change of club colours.
The general consensus is that United, playing for most of their history in black and white, changed to tangerine after a couple of close-season stints in America representing Dallas Tornado.
However, one Broughty Ferry resident reckons this is not so.
And he should know, given his connection with the Tannadice club.
In fact, he goes on to give full credit for the colour switch to his mum, Barbara!
The person in question is Gil Kerr, son of former United manager Jerry Kerr.
“I’ve been reading with interest your Blether with Brown articles on Dundee United’s colour change in the 1960s,” said Gil, who also featured recently as a Scottish Juvenile Cup winner with Maryfield United.
“I can distinctly remember a conversation my mum and dad had.
“It came after a United v Aberdeen game at Tannadice on a cold, wintry afternoon.
“My mum’s observation was that United’s all-white (with black trims) strip gave a cold impression. I remember her saying along the lines: ‘All the players look awfy cauld in that strip!’
“By contrast, she observed, Aberdeen’s players — in their imposing red strips — looked bigger, stronger and fitter.
“Not only that, the Aberdeen fans in their red colours stood out far more than United fans. My dad actually agreed.
“So, before they actually made any trips abroad to wear tangerine, moves were already afoot in the Tannadice boardroom to switch to a brighter colour.”
On another note, did you know Jerry’s proper Christian name is Jasper?
He was born Jasper Jerald Kerr.
This article originally appeared on the Evening Telegraph website. For more information, read about our new combined website.