Alistair “Ally” Gunn

Ally Gunn scored two goals for the Dark Blues before even signing for the club. He was a trialist, listed as “Newman”, in the home game against Stirling Albion on 5^th January, 1946. At that point he was a junior player with Elmwood. He had recently returned to his hometown, Dundee, after being de-mobbed from the Royal Marines.

After signing for Dundee he spoke of making the transition from junior to senior football, “In a junior game it is a question of kicking the ball and hoping for the best. In senior football you can work in a pattern and see moves ahead. That of course makes the game much more interesting”

He was a regular fixture in the reserve team, but faced a big test with the first team in the cup-tie against Celtic in January 1947, which attracted a crowd of 36,000. Questions were being raised as to whether he had the experience, and muscle, for such a big game, but he proved he was up to the task, saying at the end of the match that he had “never enjoyed any game better, and was sorry when it finished”, a 2-1 win probably helped his euphoria.

Gunn was included in the touring party for the Continental trip undertaken by the club in 1949.

Away from professional football, Ally, along with fellow team mates, Alf Boyd and Andy McCall undertook a six week instruction course for schoolboys at Graham Street Recreation Grounds, each having a squad of 20 under their wing. He was also involved with the local Y.M.C.A., volunteering in sporting activities, lecturing and acting as assistant secretary, becoming a director.

A move to Huddersfield Town in January 1951 came about under unusual circumstances. The club had shown interest in signing Gunn, so, along with his wife, he made the journey to see the house the club had offered. However, Ally was struck by a bout of ‘flu, and agreed terms with manager, George Stephenson from his hotel sickbed. A phone call was made to Dundee manager, George Anderson, informing him of the £9,000 deal.

Gunn’s time at Huddersfield came to an end after his position was taken by Gerry Burrell, who had also played for Dundee. He was put on the transfer list in April 1954, and joined Bournemouth in June of that year.

Transferring from Bournemouth to Arbroath in 1956, Ally had joined his final club, by this time he was also working as an accountant in Dundee. He retired from football at the end of the 1956-57 season.

Ally died 3^rd April 2010, in Dundee.