Respect. Honourable. Dedicated. Integrity. True Blue. Enthusiastic.

No, I’m not talking about the Highland Dark Blues again! But these words most certainly apply to the Guest of Honour at our meeting on Monday 1st November in Inverness.
Jim Duffy accepted a long overdue invitation to make the journey north – and during Derby week to boot!

A full house greeted the Dundee manager and after a welcoming introduction by Mark Kerr our Chairman, Jim was invited to say a few words. Just try stopping him!

He knew all about our fundraising exploits but, perhaps more importantly, he was most appreciative of our support for Dundee FC in what could only be described as another rollercoaster era!

The ice broken, the evening then developed into a relaxed question and answer session. He was asked where he saw Dundee in terms of league placings this season and his view of the future in the medium term. He was open and honest with his answers and explained how the club was working to a 2 year plan.

He gave his forthright views on the plunge into Administration and it’s affect on the club and potentially on the community. He gave us an insight on the events leading up to that dreadful day and the subsequent difficult decisions that had to be made. He spent some time on this subject, and we appreciate his candid response.

His love of the job was all too apparent, though he explained it can be doubly frustrating for the manager as it is for the supporters! Touching briefly on the players that we have lost, including those who are now south of the border, he moved on to talk about our present crop of players. It was fascinating listening to him talking about their different characters – and the need to be not just their coach, but their agony aunt as well! He stressed at this time, with the number of younger players in the first team, the need for patience. Consistency is the name of the game, but this will only come from experience and the players gaining in skill and confidence. This doesn’t happen overnight, and our support and encouragement for these players is vitally important.

CAHIRMAN AND YOUNG BOAB

TOASTMEISTER AND CAMERON

ALANMAC AND TIG

He has learned from his days at Chelsea and hopes to develop the youth set-up from the 12 year olds to the Under 21s with one object in mind – total football. He called it his philosophy, the need to ensure that at each stage of their development, his coaches are teaching them the same disciplines. Passing, technical ability, and being comfortable on the ball. This won’t happen overnight, and could take 5 years to bear fruit. I see what he meant by being patient!

Time for a break with some sandwiches, and to let Jim drink his cold coffee!
We took this opportunity to obtain autographs and photographs, some of which you will see throughout this article, including a cameo appearance from Brian Irvine.

TWA DEE LEGENDS

MARK AND BLAIR CROSS

DEREK RUNS HIS "DEE V DEE"

Back to the questions and Jim had to field some sharp ones from youngsters Cameron Hopkins and Innes MacLeod who certainly showed they knew their football. The time just flew by as Jim gave his opinions on the SPL, league structures, European Leagues and all things football, including this week’s Derby!

By now it was approaching 11.00pm, but we couldn’t let Jim make the journey back to Dundee without some well chosen words of thanks from Garry Hopkins who handed over a donation for a charity of Jim’s choice and a gift of the traditional silver quaich.

GARY PRESENTS JD WITH THE HDB's QUAICH

DEREK AND JD COMPARE BARBERS

ARNIE SIGNS JIM DUFFY FOR THE HDB'S FEHV'S TEAM

With Jim safely on his way home, the Highland Dark Blues could only sit and reflect on an outstanding evening, from an outstanding gent!

HASTE YE BACK,JIM

JABBAMAC

(A JOINT PRODUCTION)