Alan Rough recalls Sons encounters at Dumbarton FC dinner

Mar 27 2009 by Andy Galloway, Lennox Herald (main ed)

IT wasn’t just the local heroes of 1984 who made a notable return to Dumbarton FC at Saturday night’s sportsman’s dinner.

The event also gave one of Scotland’s most famous goalkeepers, Alan Rough, a chance to visit the Sons again.

The 53-times capped Scotland keeper, now a radio personality, was a guest speaker at the event organised by the Sons Supporters Trust.

Although he never played for Sons, he was in opposition against them several times for Partick Thistle and has some fond memories.

He told the Lennox Herald: “In the old days, Dumbarton and Thistle used to be in the same League Cup section every season, so I played against them quite a lot.

“They also played against each other quite a lot in the old first division. When they met at Firhill Stadium there would be crowds of eight to nine thousand.

“I also played at Boghead Park several times. There were several players at Saturday’s dinner who I played against there.

“You always knew you would get a right tough game against these guys, but I think I had a reasonable record overall against Dumbarton. Thistle had a good young side during the 70s.”

The 57-year-old regaled his audience at the Strathclyde Homes Stadium with tales from his career, which also included spells at Hibernian and Celtic.

He was impressed by the club’s new surroundings and support, but admits that the credit crunch is now hitting football hard.

He added: “It was fantastic to be there on Saturday night, and it was a good idea to have the promotion-winning players there.

“It was one of those nights that brings everybody together, as everybody is a bit tense during the day on a Saturday when the game is on.

“There was a great support there and there seems to be a lot of community involvement at the club. It would be great for them if they could get promotion.

“Everybody is having a hard time in football at the moment because of the financial situation – just look at Rangers looking at selling their best players.

“Many clubs are having to cut their playing staff, so I feel sorry for the players who could be out of work soon.”