At our recent members Coffee Morning each of our two speakers regaled us with fascinating tales, experiences from their working lives. Gordon Law, was first to speak. Apart for his day job, Gordon was also Vice President of the SJFA – the Scottish Junior Football Association.
In 1985 the Scottish Junior Cup Final at Hampden was between Pollok and Petershill. Gordon was tasked with looking after “non- football” guests. The most prominent of these was the then recently elected Lord Provost of Glasgow, Councillor Bob Gray. (The match ended in a 1 – 1 draw and Pollok beat Petershill 3 – 1 in a replay.)
In 1988 Gordon was then a member of the SFA Executive Committee which agreed to Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher presenting the Scottish Cup to the winners of the Scottish Cup Final between Celtic and Dundee United. The controversial decision caused ructions in Scotland due to the political landscape at that time. ( The match result: It was actually Celtic’s centenary and they achieved the Cup and League Double, not that the result impacts upon the story!)
Some weeks later, Gordon represented the SJFA at a function in the City Chambers in Glasgow. By coincidence he met up with Councillor Gray who wondered who ” the hell gave Gordon permission to invite that bloody woman to my city!!!”. A discussion took place where a difference of views led to Councillor Gray declaring “that he was not enjoying the company” whereupon he and his party rose to their feet and exited the function.
The Secretary of the SJFA enquired of Gordon’s failure to keep his mouth shut whilst the redoubtable Ernie Walker suggested that the Provost’s Office would have difficulty the next time they came on the phone “grovelling for freeby tickets”.
Some years later, Gordon met up with Councillor Gray at a work related Clerk of Works Dinner in Glasgow where the former Lord Provost was Chairman for the evening. Gordon was then bowled over by a charm offensive from Bob Gray when the two gentlemen got together to make their peace. The circle was squared!!!!!!!!!!
Blog writer’s note: We all realise that football and politics can both be contentious, but getting the two together can be interesting. This text version of the talk was supplied by Gordon.
For those, like myself, that do not fully understand the background, I am including some links that will fill in the gaps. These are given for factual interest only and do not support any footballing or political view on our behalf!
The decline of the UK Coal Industry
The decline of the British steel industry
Wikipedia: 1988 Scottish Cup Final
Why not join us?
New members are always welcomed at the Club. If you are 50 or over, retired, or nearing retirement, (men only, I’m afraid, sorry ladies) you can attend three meetings as a guest and find out what a relaxed and friendly time we have. That’s plenty of time to decide whether to become a Club member or not. Please check out our programme and email info@largsprobus.org.uk if you wish to attend as a guest, or to enquire about joining.
Largs Probus Club will next meet on Wednesday 23rd April at 10:00am within the Willowbank Hotel, when Bruce Keith will speak on Bridgescapes.