George Philip

Born in Newport on Tay, in 1890, George Gregory Philip started playing football for his local Boys Brigade team as a youth. He then joined North End for a season, before signing on at Dundee in 1909. This was followed by a season with St Johnstone, and a return to Dundee in June 1910.

He became a regular member of the team, proving himself to be a dependable half-back. However, in January, 1914, the manager decided to try George out as a centre forward. The club were going through a testing time, and there were many sceptics who thought it wouldn’t work. However, it was an inspired move, and he went on to score three hat-tricks that season.

Following on from this success, George felt it was time for a change and fancied a move to England. Dundee were keen to keep him, with Dundee director, William McIntosh, allowing him to state his own terms if he stayed. However, he was determined to go down south, and Sunderland were successful in getting his signature for a reported fee of £1500.

Sunderland took the decision to close down for the duration of the war in 1915. George guested for Sheffield United shortly afterwards.

The Scottish Association allowed Anglo Scots to join Scottish football clubs.There was interest for George from Third Lanark, Motherwell & Hibernian. He moved to Glasgow, and was involved in munitions work on the Clyde. St Mirren took the opportunity of adding him to their squad.During 1916 he made two appearances for Rangers, the first being on the losing side in an Old Firm derby.

Although he had played for other clubs, on loan, he was still a Sunderland player. The Roker Park club had offered him a 50% pay rise if he returned on a permanent contract. During the war years he had married, and had recently opened a business in Cupar, he was also playing for their junior team. Therefore, he wasn’t keen on moving back down south. Dundee inquired about a possible transfer, but the fee required was too high.

George was part of a Masonic XI team who played a Dundee XI in a testimonial match for former Dundee player, John Adamson, at Dens Park on 10^th September 1919. Adamson had lost a leg during the war. There was an attendance of 3,000 and Dundee won 3-1.

A fee was finally agreed in 1920, and he was once again a Dee, scoring goals for fun. After retiring, at the end of the 1920-21 season, he continued with his businesses in Cupar, these included an off-licence, tobacconist and pub. In 1924, he bought the hotel at Newport pier.

Always a keen sportsman, he participated in curling and bowling leagues, as well as playing golf.

He died 10^th November, 1958, aged 68, in Dundee.