The Highland Dark Blues are at it again! Hot on the heels of guest Brian Irvine at our March meeting, we were privileged to have none other than Gavin Rae at our AGM last Monday. This marked a first for us, and are extremely grateful to Gavin for making the 300 mile round trip - now you know what it’s like for us supporters!
Thanks must also go to the Club for permitting Gavin to travel north, at a time when all focus must be on the critical matches in the lead up to the Cup Final.

Gavin gave us a bit of insight into what seems to be making the team tick just now, focussing on team spirit, fitness levels, professionalism - and fun! Confidence has been high since the winter break, showing in the results. He talked with enthusiasm about the club and what the Marrs have done for Dundee FC. He was asked for his thoughts on his Scotland chances and we discussed the current international setup.
Asked about Lee Wilkie and the Cup Final, Gavin said that the big man was “gutted” at missing out, but was sure that the gaffer would keep him involved as much as possible in the run up to the match.

Reflecting on the Rangers game the previous day, he felt that it was a game to be won and they were disappointed at losing that late equaliser. Caballero was obviously mentioned and Gavin pinpointed his fitness as the main reason for his form this season. The manager had arranged extra fitness training for him and it has certainly worked! He is much quicker, stronger and seems to have recovered his appetitite for the game.

Asked about his most difficult opponents, he thought that Tugay and George Albertz were probably the most formidable - though different - adversaries. And then there was mention of one Claudio Caniggia. Probably the most skillful player Gavin has played alongside and he said CC was a joy to watch and train with, as well as being a great guy. That was clear from the TV pictures on Sunday when he could be seen hugging some of the Dundee players at the end of the match.

Gavin, at 26, is Dundee’s longest serving player, having worked his way up through the YTS system, before being loaned out to Hermes Juniors. He has had his ups and downs with different managers, and it is to his credit that he overcame these by hard work and determination. As he said himself, as a footballer all you want to do is play.

He was presented with some momentos of his visit north - including a silver quaich, hopefully not the only silver he’ll be picking up this season! As we moved towards the inevitable photographs at the end of an incredible evening for the Highland Dark Blues, our meeting was disturbed by a gatecrasher! Who should walk in but none other than one Alex Smith, now manager at nearby Ross County!

After a spontaneous verse of ‘Cheer up, Alex Smith…..’ which he took in good spirit, Alex enjoyed a few minutes chat - and ribbing - before leaving us to Gavin and our photos. But his timing couldn’t have been better, as we were needing a venue for a pit stop on the way to Hampden, and his pub in Stirling might just solve the problem!

Well, the evening drew to a close with frantic last minute autographs and farewells. We had enjoyed 3 hours in the company of one of our top players who spoke intelligently about our beloved game and team and who was a joy to listen to and a credit to Dundee FC. How on earth are the Highland Dark Blues going to top that this season? Perhaps Barry Smith can bring the Cup through Inverness on the open-topped bus…………? We can dream, can’t we?

Grahame Couttie