Sam Gilligan

Sam came from a football family. His brothers, Sandy and William, both played for Dundee FC. Before turning professional he was an apprentice riveter in the shipyard.

He joined Dundee on 23^rd October 1902 from Dundee Violet, a local junior team, promptly joining the “A” team that were to play Aberdeen the next day. It was reported, in the local newspaper, “Sam Gilligan, Dundee A’s latest capture, played a grand game against Aberdeen. He had two goals to his credit, and should prove an acquisition to the reserves – perhaps to the first eleven.”

Known for his robust style of play, in December 1902 he received a letter from the Scottish League Secretary cautioning him for alleged rough play at Celtic Park, the following week he received a similar letter regarding rough play against Rangers!

Sam travelled with the team, to England, for Dundee’s annual Christmas tour. They were playing Derby County on Christmas Day, and Newcastle on Boxing Day, he wasn’t expected to play after getting injured against Queen’s Park, but featured in the draw at St James’s Park.

The Dundee support were surprised to hear, in September 1903, that Gilligan had been transferred to Celtic, as he had become a popular player.

By 1904, he had left Scotland with a move to Bristol City, where he remained until 1910. He was part of the 1909 F.A. Cup final team that were beat 1-0 by Manchester United.

Then there were transfers to Liverpool, for three seasons, and finally Gillingham, becoming player/manager.

Sam came home to Dundee. In 1918. He was still playing intermittently, turning out for charity matches in aid of the City of Dundee Prisoner of War Fund Committee.  He was part of the Caledon Shipbuilding Yard team, managed by “Plum” Longair, that had a charity match in May, and September saw him back at Dens Park. He was one of the Masonic Select (Lodge Thistle Operative, No. 158). Alongside him were fellow former Dees “Napper” Thomson and Jimmy Bellamy. Their opponents were a Highland Light Infantry team. Sam had lost none of his skills, and ended up on the score sheet.

In 1923, Sam emigrated to America, settling in Ohio to manage an art gallery. He continued playing football into his 40’s playing for, and managing, Mahominy Valley FC where he won district league and cup titles.

He died in June 1965.