Brian Sharp revealed that his father Alex received a junior international cap for Scotland.
Brian, from Douglas, Dundee, was responding to several articles concerning Lil Lindsay and Dundee Violet.
Lil found several Scotland caps as she was sprucing up the inner sanctum of Glenesk Park and asked for help from BwB readers to trace their owners.
However, Brian knew where his father’s caps ended up.
“My father’s Scotland junior cap and jersey was always around the house as I was growing up,” said Brian (68).
“I remember the cap being given for Scotland v Wales at Dens Park around 1929/30/31.
“It’s made of velvet with a gold tassle and was very small — one you certainly couldn’t wear. It would only sit on top of the head.
“The international strip was one of those old heavy types with a Lion Rampant badge. I’m sure he was with Violet at the time he was capped. He also played for North End, so it could have been when he was with them but I think it was Violet.”
Brian, a plumber during his working years, continued: “The twist in the tale here is that dad didn’t actually play in the game.
“He was named as 12th man. As there were no substitutes in those, he was the player on stand-by if anyone pulled out.
“Obviously, you were awarded a cap and strip all the same.”
And what has become of the cap and strip?
“I’m afraid they have just been mislaid over the passage of time.
“I’m a bit embarrassed to say but I know a bit more about the strip.
“One day, my granny cut six inches off it so I could go out to play in it!”
Wow . . . could you just imagine that happening nowadays?
Well, it wouldn’t, would it? These strips are now usually framed and treasured, or given away to needy causes to raise funds.
Brian has contributed before to BwB as he told of his father’s football career.
After Violet, he signed for East Fife and was at Bayview at the same time as Scot Symon, who would go on to become the legendary manager of Rangers.
After Methil, it was on to Blackburn Rovers and Hull City before returning to Scotland to play for Falkirk and Raith Rovers.
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