Sunday, 26th October 2003 was to be the first Dundee Derby of the season. The Dundee Supporter's Association had organised some special pre-match hospitality at Dens and, another first for Highland Dark Blues, we took up an allocation of 20 Members and Associates. A minibus was booked from Inverness and Derek 'Napper Thamson' Steel took his place behind the wheel.

A two-course meal, with frequent supply of alcohol, probably explains our eager anticipation.
An early start, to get there for 12.30pm, saw us the first to arrive. Finally as 12.30pm approached we were allowed into the famous Andy Penman Lounge. Tables had already been allocated, and we were shown to our seats by some lovely hostesses - or was that just Dave Forbes?

Magners, sponsors of DFC, were doing a special promotion, so ample supplies of Magners Cider were available, just to get things started!

A hearty meal of soup and then roast beef was served - which just interrupted the supply of beer!
As the alcohol started to take affect, several songs wafted through the air - from the direction of the Perth 62's would you believe! These affluent Dees were intent on outsinging the Broughty Ferry Dees with such classics as "You're all a bunch of chauffeurs!" followed by that well known rendition of "You've only got one maid!" I think the Perth boys clinched it with "62....we're richer than you!"

The Magners hostesses were busy supplying us with samples of their cider, and they were more than willing....steady John.... to pose for the odd photograph - and I do mean odd!

As the beer intake increased - and the Magners hostesses looked even more beautiful, our thoughts turned to Paul 'Spud' Kerr. 'Spud' is the brother of our Cahirman Mark Kerr. It was his intention to make the hospitality, but as his good lady had been working her night shift, the good family man took his kids out to play to give her time to sleep. Would he make it on time? Would there be any roast beef left? Frantic text messages between Mark and Spud as the deadline for chucking out time approached! At last, with a few minutes to spare, the ever smiling Spud made his entrance. Blinded by the camera flashes, his smile was even wider when he heard his fellow Highland Dark Blues greet him with chants of 'Spudoni!... Spudoni!.....Spudoni!'

Time for an ale or two yet, Spud, as our fellow supporters started making a move towards the door, and Tannadice.

The rest, they say, is history.

Grahame Couttie
Secy
Highland Dark Blues