Chapter 1

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RECOGNISED ATHLETIC WAREHOUSE

ALEXANDER DUNCAN, Wholesale Jeweller

GOLD AND SILVER BADGES.

Holds the Largest Stock of Prize Specialities and Presentation Goods in the City.

NEW DESIGNS IN BADGES. UNIQUE AND ARTISTIC.

All Government Stamped.

AT WHOLESALE PRICES.

FOOTBALL AND OTHER CLUBS

Supplied at Prices considerably less than any other House in the Trade.

Patronised by all the Leading Clubs throughout the country.

Specimens and Prices Post Free on Application. In ordering say whether Football or Golf Badges are wanted.

Special Designs to Order.

Over 100 Cups always In Stock, 10s. to L30.

Over 200 Gold and Silver Badges in Stock at Wholesale Prices.

Compare with others.

(One Stair Up.) 75 BUCHANAN STREET, GLASGOW. (One Stair Up.)

* * * * *

COMFORT FOR THE FEET.

Corns and Bunions may be removed, and Enlarged Toe Joints reduced, by using Thompson's French Corn Plaster.

"It is as thin as silk, and comfortable to the foot. Since using thin Plaster I can walk almost any distance." Lady Maude ----.

Packets 1s. 1 1/2d. each; post free, 14 stamps.

ASK FOR THOMPSON'S PLASTER. --> AND SEE YOU GET IT.

* * * * *

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Bottles 1/9, 2/9 and 4/9, post free, from _Sole Proprietor_,

M. F. THOMPSON, Chemist, 17 GORDON STREET, GLASGOW. 97 PRINCES STREET, EDINBURGH.

CAUTION. Each Genuine Bottle of NERVETONINE has M. F. THOMPSON'S name on label.

Sponges, Bath Gloves, Friction Gloves, Flesh Brushes, Tooth, Nail, and Hair Brushes, and every Toilet Requisite at the above address.

The Trainer of the Rangers Football Team writes:

"SIR,--I use HERBULINE extensively, and find it of great value. I have never been disappointed in my results from using it. It is superior to any preparation I have hitherto tried, and I strongly advise those in want of a safe, reliable liniment to give it a trial.--I am, yours respectfully,

"IBROX, _February 6th, 1890_. JOHN TAYLOR."

Neuralgia and Tic cured by HERBULINE in 20 Minutes. Lumbago " " " 24 Hours. Toothache " " " Momentary. Cold Feet " " " 5 Minutes. Rheumatism " " " 24 Hours.

HERBULINE is superior to Mustard for Poulticing. Salient points--clean, easily applied, a more endurable heat. No liability to chill after using. It is a wonder to those who use it, and never disappoints in its results.

_Of Chemists and Patent Medicine Vendors_--

Price 1s. 1 1/2d. Net. If Posted, 3d. Extra.

The HERBULINE Manufacturing Coy., 67 RENFIELD STREET.

* * * * *

WATERPROOFS.

Gentlemen's Coats in all the Newest Styles and Patterns. Inverness Capes, Sleeveless Coats, etc. Waterproofs for Tourists, Cyclists, etc.

Travelling Requisites. Fishing Requisites. Shooting Requisites.

LAWN TENNIS, Cricket, Footballs, Shin-Guards, etc.

_Lists on Application._ _Prices strictly moderate._

NORTH BRITISH RUBBER Co., Ltd., 106 BUCHANAN STREET, Glasgow.

Works: Castle Mills, Edinburgh.

* * * * *

ASK FOR

Henry

Thomson

& Co.'s

OLD

IRISH

WHISKY.

AS SUPPLIED TO H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES, H.R.H. THE DUKE OF CONNAUGHT, AND THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT.

SOLE AGENT FOR SCOTLAND-- ROBERT BROWN, 17 Hope St., GLASGOW.

* * * * *

THOMAS COOK & SON,

GENERAL RAILWAY AND STEAMSHIP

PASSENGER TICKET OFFICE,

FOREIGN MONEY CHANGERS, &c.,

(Tickets for Personally-conducted Parties and Independent Travel issued to all parts of the World).

162 ARGYLE STREET,

GLASGOW.

* * * * *

ALLAN & STEWART,

163 & 165 ARGYLE STREET.

OUR SPECIALTIES IN GENTLEMEN'S OUTFITTING DEPARTMENT ARE--

HAWICK MADE HOSIERY,

IN ALL WEIGHTS AND SIZES,

GENT.'S KNICKERBOCKER HOSE, GENT.'S WHITE and FANCY SHIRTS, and

OUR FAMOUS SERGE CLOTHING.

CORNER OF ST. ENOCH SQUARE, GLASGOW.

* * * * *

THE EMPORIUM

For Portmanteaus, Bags, Trunks, and all kinds of Travelling Requisites. Lawn Tennis, Cricket, Football.

GLADSTONE BAGS, warranted Cowhide, 16", 13/4; 18", 15/; 20", 16/8; 22", 18/4; 24", 20/.

SADDLERY, HARNESS, HORSE CLOTHING. FOREIGN SADDLERY A Speciality, Highland Dress Sporrans, Dirks, Skene Dhus, Brooches, etc.

PRICE LISTS ON APPLICATION.

LECKIE, GRAHAM & CO., 116 Union St., Glasgow.

* * * * *

IMPORTANT TO CLUB OFFICIALS AND PLAYERS.

GEORGE BELL,

PHOTOGRAPHER,

57 ARGYLE STREET,

GLASGOW.

Every description of Portrait and Group Work executed in the best style, and on the shortest notice.

Copies of the 3rd Lanark and Renton (record) teams can be had on application. Price, 3s. plain; 3s. 6d. enamelled.

NOTE THE ADDRESS-- 57 ARGYLE STREET.

* * * * *

H. & P. M'NEIL

CRICKET AND LAWN-TENNIS.

Shirts, White, 3/6, 4/6, 5/6, 7/6, and 10/6 each. Shirts, White, Laced Fronts, 5/6, 7/6, and 10/6. Shirts, Silk Stripes, 8/6 and 10/6 each. Trousers, White Serge, 7/6, 10/6 and 12/6. Caps, Velvet and Flannel, 6d., 9d., 1/, 1/6, and 2/. Belts, all Colours, 6d., 9d., 1/, and 1/6. Racing Knickers, 2/, 2/5, 3/6, 4/6, and 6/6. Racing Shirts, 1/, 1/6, 2/, 2/6, and 3/6. Racing Shoes, 7/6 and 9/6. Flesh Gloves, Lawrence's, 5/ per pair. Boxing Gloves, 7/6, 8/6, and 10/ per set. Swimming Pants and Costumes.

SEND FOR PRICE LISTS.

* * * * *

FOOTBALL.

Celebrated Footballs, Buttons and Buttonless, Guaranteed best Cow-Hide, 16/6 each. Free. M'Neil's Celebrated Footballs, 8/6 each. M'Neil's Match Footballs, 7/6 each. M'Neil's Practice Footballs, 6/6 each. Boys' 1, 1/11; 2, 2/11; 3, 3/11; 4, 4/11. Knickers, White, 1/6, 2/, 2/6, 3/6, and 4/6. Knickers, Blue, 2/6, 3/6, and 4/6. Shin Guards, 1/, 1/6, 2/, 2/6, and 3/6. Football Boots, 8/6, 10/6, and 12/6. Football Bags, 4/6, 5/6, 6/6, and 7/6. Jerseys, all Colours, 1/, 1/6, 1/11, 3/6, and 4/6.

SEND FOR SAMPLES.

91 UNION STREET, GLASGOW (Opposite "Mail" Office).

* * * * *

FOOTBALL SPECTATORS

Should wear nothing in STYLISH HATS

BUT THE

PURE FUR FELTS,

which never CRACK OR BREAK, no matter how many times they are taken off to assist the Cheering when

A GOAL IS SCORED.

Sold at 4s. 6d., 5s. 6d., and 6s. 6d.

They are admitted to be the best Value ever offered to the Public.

THOMAS STEWART, THE POPULAR CITY HATTER. 71 ARGYLE STREET (Near Dunlop Street). Sign of the Clock Hat. Branches--73 TRONGATE (Tron Steeple), and at Temporary Premises, 134 NORFOLK STREET.

* * * * *

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL REMINISCENCES

AND

SKETCHES.

BY D. D. BONE

_GLASGOW._

GLASGOW: JOHN MENZIES & CO., 15 DRURY STREET. HAY NISBET & CO., 25 JAMAICA STREET. EDINBURGH: JOHN MENZIES & CO., HANOVER STREET. 1890.

* * * * *

Union Billiard Rooms,

42 ARGYLE STREET,

GLASGOW.

* * * * *

LARGEST BILLIARD ROOM IN THE KINGDOM.

20 Full-Sized Billiard Tables. 1s. per Hour.

POOL EVERY EVENING

* * * * *

Handicaps.

During the season, Handicaps, open only to frequenters of the Rooms, will be held, and Handsome Prizes in Cash will be given. NO ENTRY-MONEY.

* * * * *

Football Rendezvous.

Results of all important matches received by telegram. Secretaries of Clubs are invited to forward these.

* * * * *

PREFACE.

In bringing my first edition of Football Reminiscences and Sketches before the public, I do so with a sense of profound regard for the game and its players, and heartfelt gratitude to numerous friends--some of whom, alas! are no more--for advice and assistance. If my readers consider it worthy of one who has devoted a quarter of a century in attaining that experience necessary to criticise the players of the dead past and those of the living present with fidelity, I will have gained something to be remembered, and be amply repaid for what I have done to assist the spread of the Association game in Scotland. Many of my sketches, under different names, have already appeared in various journals, including the _Daily_ and _Weekly Mail_, _Bell's Life in London_, and the "Scottish Football Annual," but I have remodelled some of them very considerably, and indulge in the hope that they may while away an hour or so at the fireside of the Player and Spectator after a big Cup Tie or other interesting match.

THE AUTHOR.

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WATERPROOFS.

CAOUTCHOUC.

_We are Noted for_ Superior Quality, Moderate Prices, Unrivalled Selection. Every Garment Guaranteed.

CURRIE, THOMSON & CO., (LATE THORNTON, CURRIE. & CO.). 43} JAMAICA STREET, {43 45} {45 47} GLASGOW. {47 No. 56. | BUCHANAN STREET BRANCH | NO 56. LADIES' SALOON. (Opposite _Herald_ Office,)

* * * * *

TELEGRAPHIC ADDRESS--"MOSES," GLASGOW.

The old-established Booking Office for Tourists, Travellers, & Emigrants.

Through tickets issued to all parts of the World, by best Lines and at Lowest Rates.

AGENCY for "Guion," "National," "Cunard," "White Star," "American," "Inman," "Dominion," "Anchor," "Allan" Liners, etc., for the United States and Canada at special low rates; also, "Currie," "Orient," and other Lines, for South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, India, and South America.

Through Railway Tickets issued at reduced fares to the principal Cities and Towns in Canada and the United States. Free Land Warrants of L20 value granted to Queensland passengers.

List of Sailings, Dates, Fares, and all Particulars on application to

MOSES BUCHANAN, 62 BUCHANAN ST., GLASGOW.

* * * * *

CONTENTS.

PAGE

I.--FOOTBALL: ANCIENT AND MODERN, 17

II.--THE FOOTBALL WAVE, 20

III.--A "SWEEP FOR THE CUP;" OR, HOW PATE BROWN KEPT HIS ENGAGEMENT, 21

IV.--FAMOUS ASSOCIATION PLAYERS--PAST AND PRESENT, 26

V.--THE PIONEERS OF ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL IN SCOTLAND; OR, "THE CONQUEROR'S FOOTBALL BOOTS," 63

VI.--HOW CLUBS WERE STARTED LONG AGO, 71

VII.--THE GREAT INTERNATIONAL; OR, NED DUNCAN'S DREAM, 73

VIII.--THE PATRONS, SPECTATORS, AND POPULAR PLAYERS, 79

IX.--A DREAM OF THE PAST, 82

X.--THE DUEL NEAR THE FOOTBALL FIELD, 86

XI.--THE FINAL TIE FOR THE ASSOCIATION CHALLENGE CUP--1889-90, 93

* * * * *

AERATED WATERS

(CORRY & CO.'S).

Medal--PARIS, 1878.

Gold Medals--LONDON, 1873; PARIS, 1875. Medals and Diplomas-- PHILADELPHIA and BRUSSELS, 1876.

Since offering to the Public in 1850 these delicious and unrivalled Aerated Beverages, the sole and lasting aim to which Messrs. CORRY & CO. have directed all their efforts has been, not to force sales by venturesome and questionable efforts, but by the real fact of the superiority of the Beverages they offer to merit universal patronage. Judging from the world-wide favour, which they find yearly increasing, and the unprecedented success which has attended their efforts at all the Universal Exhibitions, or wherever they have competed, this aim (so far attained, and which their experience has proved to be a fundamental principle of success) will be steadily pursued. Since 1850 many mere imitators have come and gone, and many still remain; but the Public are requested to insist on having CORRY'S Waters, not imitations.

To be had at all the First-class Hotels, Restaurants, and from Family Grocers, Wine Merchants, Chemists, also on board all First-class River and Ocean-going Steamers, etc., etc.

JOHN MERCER & CO., 16 ANN STREET, GLASGOW, AGENTS FOR SCOTLAND.

* * * * *

WALLACE,

The ONLY LARGE MAKER of SAUSAGES in Glasgow who has always used First Quality only of Beef and Pork. Certified, but NOT by Dr. CLARK, City Analyst.

NOTE ADDRESSES-- 273 ARGYLE STREET, 19 BRIDGE STREET, 19 WELLINGTON ARCADE, 123 CROWN STREET, And 77 PAISLEY ROAD (West).

ESTABLISHED 1843.

JOHN WALLACE, (Late THOMAS BARR), PROVISION MERCHANT, 271 ARGYLE STREET. ESTABLISHED 1835.

* * * * *

Telegraphic Address--"Football," Glasgow. Connected by Telephone.

GEORGE GILLESPIE,

WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANT,

170 Dumbarton Road,

242 Berkeley St., and 9 Stobcross St.,

GLASGOW.

* * * * *

BROWN BROS.,

New Central Hat Warehouse,

195 ARGYLE STREET

(A FEW DOORS EAST OF JAMAICA STREET), ONE STAIR UP.

FELT HATS,

The very Latest Shapes and Shades to suit Gents., Youths, and Boys.

Prices, 3/6, 4/6, 5/6, 6/6, and 7/6

SILK HATS,

Newest London and Paris Shapes,

8/6, 10/6, 12/6, 15/6, and 18/6

Also at 25 MAIN STREET, ANDERSTON CROSS, GLASGOW.

* * * * *

FOOTBALL REMINISCENCES.

_I.--FOOTBALL: ANCIENT AND MODERN._

"Then strip, lads and to it, though cold be the weather, And if, by mischance you should happen to fall, There are worse things in life than a tumble on heather, For life is itself but a game at Football." --_Sir Walter Scott._

In Scotland, so closely associated with traditional lore, and the acknowledged birth-place of romance and patriotic song, it would be almost dangerous to incur displeasure by attempting to refer to the early history of anything associated with the amusements or recreations of the people, without actually touching on tradition--a point held by some in far greater regard and reverence than actual fact. Under these circumstances, then, I do not want to run the risk of complete annihilation by ignoring the traditional, and even territorial, aspect of Football. That the game was played as early as the tenth century there is any amount of authentic evidence to show, and that it continued to be one of the chief recreations of the people there can be no doubt. Coming much further down, however, the game of Football is referred to, both by historical and romance writers. In Sir Walter Scott's "Lay of the Last Minstrel," we find that the English and Scotch soldiers, in a few hours' actual cessation from skirmishing on the eve of a battle, engaged in "the merry Football play." Our forefathers, however, must have played the game in rather a rude and undignified fashion, if we can believe certain authorities--actual brute force and superiority in point of weight being the indispensable concomitants of a successful side. The matches, too, must have been played utterly regardless of science. Just fancy a couple of crack teams meeting on a heather-covered field, with the "hailing spots" about a mile and a-half apart, and playing a match lasting four or five hours! Could any of our young men nowadays stand such rough-and-tumble work? Happily it is not required. It has been found that a match lasting an hour and a-half, with the ball ever and anon passing in front of one on a level field, is quite enough, even for the strongest back, half-back, or forward. Experience has sufficiently proved that, even in this age of scientific play. So much for the past, and I will proceed to touch briefly on the spread and popularity of football.

To those who only know football as promoted by the Queen's Park, and subsequently by the Vale of Leven, Clydesdale, Granville (now defunct), 3rd L.R.V, and lastly, though not leastly, by the Scottish Football Association, we are almost compelled to offer some information. A quarter of a century ago a Union was formed in Edinburgh to draw up a code of rules to encourage the game of Football, and matches were played between schools and other clubs. These rules were a combination of the present Association and Rugby, dribbling being largely indulged in, but the goal-posts were similar to those now in use under the latter code of rules, and a goal could not be scored unless the ball went over the posts. This game made considerable progress in Edinburgh, being vigorously promoted by scholastic clubs and students attending college. Some years later, when the number of young gentlemen sent over from England to be educated in Scotland, particularly Edinburgh, began to increase, these old rules were subjected to considerable alteration, and eventually assimilated to those of the English Rugby Union, and all the known clubs in Scotland at that time adhered tenaciously to these rules, and under them many exciting games were played between Eastern and Western clubs, the Glasgow Academicals and Edinburgh Academicals being the leading ones. Eventually, however, the new clubs springing into existence in the Western District of the country did not care to play these rules, and, following the example of similar clubs in England, adhered to what they considered an improvement on the old system of Football, and joined the English Football Association, formed in 1863. The first to do this was the Queen's Park, the mother of Association Football in Scotland, in 1867, and the example was soon followed by the Clydesdale, 3rd L.R.V., Vale of Leven, Granville, and others, a few years afterwards. Well can I remember witnessing several exciting tussles on the Queen's Park recreation ground (then the only meeting-place of the Premier Association Club), between the Vale of Leven, Hamilton, East Kilbride, Clydesdale, Granville, and 3rd L.R.V. Since then the spread and popularity of the Association style of play has been so often written about that it is, so to speak, bound up in the actual history of the Western District of Scotland. In Edinburgh, however, the new rules have not made so much headway, the Rugby code being there as extensively played as of yore. Some advances, however, have taken place, and the Edinburgh University has an Association team, and that city several promising clubs, including the Hibernian, Heart of Midlothian, and St. Bernard, and, in Leith, the Athletic, that made such a plucky fight with the Queen's Park in a recent cup tie.

No one, except a close observer, can believe the earnestness and enthusiasm imparted into the game by the formation of young clubs, but there is one danger which should be avoided. There is such a thing as overdoing; and, depend upon it, if this is continued, the game will suffer. To those who love and appreciate everything in season, the advice I am about to impart will be doubly significant. Football is a winter game, and while it may be all right to practice in spring and autumn, the line is bound to be drawn somewhere, and why attempt to force it down the throats of cricketers, athletes, yachtsmen, and even lawn-tennis players, in the heart of summer? It must not be forgotten that some of our best and most influential football clubs have also cricket clubs and kindred summer recreations attached, and, in the interests of football, these should be encouraged; and to this end I am confident my remarks will be treated with some respect. I am also sure that no one who has taken a deep interest in the game from its comparative infancy, but can look back with extreme pleasure on its development, and even go the length of registering a vow that he will do his utmost to make and uphold it as an honest and manly game, despite isolated assumptions by a few traducers who question such earnestness, and I will endeavour to point them out, and draw comparisons.

"What came ye out to see?" might often be asked by an uninterested spectator who had ventured forth to look at some of the matches. A crowd of young men pursuing a round object, called a ball, with great earnestness of purpose. To the young cad, who can think of nothing but the colour of his latest pair of kid gloves, or the check of his newest acquisition in the shape of fashionable trousers, all out-door amusement is considered an interminable bore, the game of Football has, of course, no charm. There is too much hard work for him, and the training required to put one in condition, fraught with all that is called self-denial, he could never endure. The musty old duffer, too, looks upon the game in the light of a deadly sin, which can never be associated in his mind with anything short of idiocy and the most virulent fanaticism. To some of his young men he remarks--"And you call that a grand game, running about a field trying to put a ball near a pair of upright posts, and knocking the first lad down who attempts to retard your progress! Do you call that manly, eh? Would anyone but a pure lunatic run the chance of getting his shins cut, or collar-bone dislocated, indulging in such work, and donning coloured stockings and fantastic shirt the while to make the matter all the more absurd!" He seems to forget that "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy," and the real meaning of a dull boy and a dull man is irregularity and vexation in the counting-house and office. There are amusements and amusements, and recreations and recreations, but I know of none adapted for the winter months which can be so cheaply indulged in, with so much profit to health, as Football. Accidents do happen occasionally, I admit, but they are exceedingly few when the number of young men engaged in the game is taken into account, combined with the fact that, last year, some of the leading Association matches were played much more roughly than in previous years, it is an astonishing fact that no fatal accident occurred in Scotland. There are, of course, many, if the whole truth must be written, whom the exciting and manly game has failed to touch by its magic and fascinating influence, but they should not be courted, and fortunately their patronage is neither sought nor needed, for they are the men most to be avoided on a wintry Saturday afternoon while one is on his way to see an exciting "cup tie." Depend upon it, they will allure you to some haunt where the language is not even so choice as where the "final" is being played between two leading clubs.