Harry (Henry) McMenemy

Harry came from a footballing family in Glasgow. His father, Jimmy, nicknamed “Napoleon”, played for Celtic, and was regarded as a club legend, winning 11 league and six Scottish Cup titles.

His brothers were also footballers. John played for Celtic, Motherwell, Partick Thistle and St Mirren, and Frank played for, amongst others, Hamilton Academicals, Crystal Palace and Alloa.

Dundee manager, Andy Cunningham, was instrumental in the signing of Harry in July 1937. He had previously signed him from junior club, Strathclyde, whilst manager of Newcastle United. He had a very successful spell at St James’s, being part of the F.A. Cup winning team in his first season.

Harry was put on the transfer list in 1937 with a price tag of £3,000. At  25 years old,  5 foot 9 in tall and weighing  11st 10lbs, he ticked all the boxes for Cunningham. The paperwork was completed in Glasgow, but the fee was undisclosed.

In a trial at Dens on 9^th August, a crowd of around 7,000 attended, many were there to see the new signing. Harry fitted into the Dundee team straight away, impressing fans, and club officials alike. He brought experience, flair and knowledge of the game.

The Evening Telegraph commented that when you “think of Dundee’s weaving ways, you think of Harry M’Menemy. His was inside play at its best; he was the dictator in the middle of the park, without, apparently, making a big call on his energy. A slight sway as he slipped his man….a prod forward….a flick to the side….a drooping ball to the touchline….all these stamped him as THE footballer of the twenty-two.”

Harry didn’t sign on for the 1938-39 season, and was put on the transfer list with a price of £1200. Unhappy with the price put on his head, he took his case to the  Scottish League Management Committee, appealing for a reduction. The Committee ruled in his favour and the price was reduced to £750.

In October, he agreed to play for non-league Bo’ness in the Qualifying Cup (third round), against Berwick Rangers. There were also rumours that he might sign for Grimsby. During this unsettled time he resumed his trade as a bricklayer back in Glasgow.

Almost a year later, in August 1939, Harry, and  a host of players from other clubs, were back before the Committee pleading their cases for reductions on their transfer price, or be given free transfers. This time Harry was denied his claim. Over this period he had been playing down south for Guildford City who were keen to keep him if he was a free transfer, interest had also been shown from Ipswich and Bradford City.

Finally, Harry joined Gateshead A.F.C. Unfortunately he didn’t get a chance of any game time due to the abandonment of competitive football with the outbreak of WW2. This resulted in a move back to Glasgow, where he played a few games for St Mirren before retiring.

Harry died in 1997,aged 84

The image featured is of the reverse side of the Junior Medal Harry McMenemy won with Shettleston Violet in season 1928-29 . It is used with kind permission of McTears.