Alexander Craig
Born around 1870, the Evening Telegraph of Sep 1893 describes Craig as "a man of the quietest and most unassuming description, both on and off the field, his popularity is not to be wondered at, and the high place he holds in public esteem is only equalled by the respect he is held by his clubmates".
Craig started out at the Dundee juvenile club Roslin and soon graduated to the junior side, Violet. Craig joined the ranks of Our Boys as a left half-back in 1888-89, starting out in the reserves, Our Boys Rangers. His inaugural season with the senior side was a memorable one as Our Boys Rangers stormed to a quarter final spot of the Second XI Scottish Cup.
In 1889-90 Craig switched to right half-back and was promoted to the first eleven to occupy the same position.
During 1890-91 Craig was selected to play for Forfarshire and was invited to the annual International trial matches in Glasgow. Craig wasn't selected to play for Scotland, but nevertheless gave a good account of himself at the trials.
Craig sustained an injury in a Northern League match against East End which laid him out for a time, but he soon came back stronger than ever.
Craig joined Dundee on their formation and was part of a half-back line, along with Longair and Petrie, that was a good as any in Scotland.
As was common at the time, Craig also turned his hand to other sports. As well as football, Craig was a keen runner and cricketer, winning the Junior Cup in the latter sport.
John Proctor
East End Stalwart & Pioneer - Photo: Evening Telegraph 26 Feb 1932 (DC Thomson)
The Evening Telegraph's 1932 'Forgotten Footballers' series included a feature on Mr John Proctor - the former East End player. Still very much alive in 1932 the Tele describes Proctor as in good health and still young for his 70 plus years.
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We are told that Proctor lives alone on Arbroath Road at the top of Lilybank and everyday at noon he comes out to feed the pigeons. So used to him are they that the pigeons can usually be seen perching on his arms and head.
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Proctor worked as a yarn dresser in the jute mills for 50 years. A keen cricketer Proctor was an all rounder for the Albert CC. When the association game kicked off in the city Proctor was not slow in taking up the sport. He and a dozen or so like minded young men clubbed together to form the East End club - a club that would become one of the biggest names in Dundee during the amateur era. He played at inside left, and coached at the club for sixteen years and occasionally carried out those duties for the Forfarshire select when they went on their tours.
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Proctor hung up his boots in 1893 when East End merged with Our Boys to form Dundee FC. Proctor was one of the city's footballing pioneers, playing the game at a time when players donned caps and slippers to represent their teams' colours.
Andrew Soutar
Sketch from a photo by Messrs D & W Prophet, Wellgate and appearing in the Evening Telegraph, 14 April 1894 (DC Thomson)
Andrew Soutar was latterly known as the goalkeeper for Dundee's amateur team, Lochee United. A native of Alyth, Soutar turned out for the local cricket team but also as a full back, then later, goalkeeper for Alyth and Our Boys (Alyth) football teams. Soutar's personal achievements here included being selected as the captain of Our Boys and being given county honours when selected for Perthshire in a city v county match. In Sep 1893 Soutar turned out for Lochee in a game at Aberdeen and impressed the committee so much he moved permanently to the surburban side. Once again he was given county honours, this time for Forfarshire, firstly as a reserve keeper against Perthshire and then given game time against Stirlingshire.
Alexander Spalding
Photo by W. Ferrier, Dundee. Appears in the Evening Post 23 May 1903. (DC Thomson).
Alexander Spalding was born in the north end of Dundee and took up football, like many others, in the junior ranks. While a youth he joined East End as a half-back.
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Spalding won a Charity Cup and received three Forfarshire Cup runners-up badges during East End's heartbreakingly unfortunate run of four successive final defeats.
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Spalding received many county caps and was part of perhaps the finest Forfarshire team when the county defeated Ayrshire away from home by 5 goals to 3 in 1888.
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When Spalding retired he joined the council chamber and subsequently the board of Dundee FC. He was appointed president of the Forfarshire Football Association and was Forfarshire's representative at the SFA.
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Spalding was instrumental in securing the site for Dens and, consequently, safeguarding the future of the club.
Spalding served on the Dundee board for 15 years and became an inspector of works for Dundee Corporation.
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Spalding died in 1932 and a great many dignitaries attended. The procession left from Spalding's residence at 4 Greendykes Road.
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Those from the sporting world in attendance included ex-Bailie John Robertson-the only surviving member of the Dundee board who served alongside Spalding - as well as the current directors A.B. MacBain, Wm McIntosh and P.T Jackson. Some of the Spalding's contemporaries from the old days were there - James Black (legendary Forfar football administrator); Charles Howe (former secretary of Strathmore); Richard Stiven (half-back at Strathmore) and John Proctor (team mate at East End).
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Former Dundee FC players were naturally in attendance including cup winning goal keeper Bob Crumley; FA Cup winning player for Tottenham Harry Erentz as well as trainer to Dundee prior to Wm Longair Joe Newton.
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With Spalding's passing another link to the 'old days' of amateur football in the city had vanished. Spalding was a popular personality in the city and known for sincerity and straightforwardness. HIs great county rival at half-back was Richard Stiven. He was 'about' 67 years old at his time of death and was survived by his wife and two daughters. His son was sadly killed during the Great War.
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Alexander Spalding's Funeral at Eastern Cemetery
Photo Appeared in Courier & Advertiser, 29 Jan 1932. (DC Thomson).
