Ian Dickson - World Record Holder

Montrose FC Online has included a gallery of photos from the collection of former Montrose forward Ian Dickson. Ian played for Montrose in the late 1960s and is probably the only Montrose player to have made it into the Guiness book of records as the youngest player to score a hat-trick in an away league match in Scotland. Ian's feat and his Montrose playing career was highlighted in the article below from the Forbes Inglis "Links Park Legnds" article from 2004;

"Today's featured player, Ian Dickson, who played for Montrose in the mid sixties, can call himself a legend, and has a Guinness Book of Records certificate to prove it!
Having played a number of trials for senior clubs, Ian had signed for Montrose from junior side Forfar Celtic just days before his scoring spree.
He made his first competitive appearance for Montrose against Third Lanark at Cathkin Park on the 22nd of October 1966.
Although the Gable Endies lost that day by seven goals to four, Ian was the hero for Montrose, scoring three of their goals and laying on the fourth for striker Jimmy Kemp.
At the time Ian was 18 years and 215 days old, which made him the youngest player to score a hat trick in Scottish Football and on a debut in an away match in British football.
The youngest player to score a hat trick on his debut was Tommy Lawton, who was aged 17 years and five days, when he achieved that feat for Burnley against Spurs in 1936.
Alan Shearer was 17 years and 240 days old when he performed the same feat for Southampton against Arsenal in 1988, so Ian is in good company.
Against Thirds, Montrose had had to field what was described as a makeshift team, due to a number of injuries. The side that day consisted of; Jamieson, Doull, Ogilvie, McMillan, Munro, McNiven, Kemp, Cross, Dickson, Falconer & Strachan.
According to a newspaper report of the time; 'Included in the attack was new signing Ian Dickson and the ex Forfar Celtic player made a sensational debut by notching the "hat trick" with three well taken goals. It was not until the Thirds victory was assured that Montrose found cracks in an otherwise solid defence. Most capable of penetrating it was Dickson.'
Ian opened the scoring in the 14th minute. The Hi-Hi then scored five goals before he scored again to make the score five -two. Thirds scored another two goals before Ian completed his hat trick.
Not that Ian was a one game wonder and he scored goals regularly for the Gable Endies, as well laying on passes for other forwards to score.
In an away match against Motherwell he helped himself to another goal which saw the former First Division outfit, 'outclassed by a slick moving Montrose team in which Mathews, Livingstone and Dickson were prominent forwards. Dickson scored after a clever manoeuvre that outwitted the Motherwell defence.'
Ian was good prospect and was watched by a number of English clubs. Blackpool, Doncaster Rovers, Carlisle United and Wolves were among the teams credited with an interest in the young Montrose star before his promising senior career was eventually cut short by a number of health problems." (Forbes Inglis 2004)

Ian Dickson Photo Collection

MONTROSE FC EXTEND VEHICLE SPONSORSHIP

Duthies of Montrose have kindly supplied a new Club van to extend their vehicle sponsorship at Links Park.

For the last 5 years the local Citroen dealer has provided the official vehicle for Montrose FC to allow kit and equipment to be transported to training nights in Dundee and away games up and down the country every other weekend.

The growth of the Links Park Community Trust has also benefited more recently from the use of the van as it delivers after school football coaching to large numbers of primary school kids across the local area.

Located in Brent Avenue, the dealership has been part of the fabric of Montrose since the 1920's. Their professional sales and servicing team provide new and approved used cars and commercial vehicles and they are also a Motability accredited premier dealer.

Duthies Dealer Principle Alistair Inglis said, "We are delighted to continue our support of Montrose FC and Links Park Community Trust."

Club Chairman Derek Sim said, "We would like to thank Alistair for his continued support. The van is a real asset to both ourselves and the Trust and is used on a daily basis. Without it we would struggle to function as a Club and deliver the service we do to the local community."

Our photo shows from left to right, D

ANDREW WANTS YOUR MATCHDAY PROGRAMME IDEAS

Do you read the Gable Ender, the official Montrose FC matchday programme? If so, then Editor Andrew Stephen would like to hear your ideas as to how it can be made even better for next season.

Andrew said, “I have a great team of volunteers who help put the programme together each week and we always try to keep things fresh – but that’s only our opinion.

“We would really like to know, from those who buy and read the programmes, what bits people like, what bits they don’t like and any ideas they would have for new items.

“We will consider all comments and suggestions as we shape up our plans for the 2016/17 version of the Gable Ender.”

Please send all feedback to Andrew at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via the official Montrose FC Facebook page.

Under 17s Hospitality Day

Family and friends of our U17's enjoyed a special hospitality yesterday at Links Park as the boys took on Dundee FC.

Organised by the Club's Fundraising Committee, a two course meal was laid on pre match followed by the customary cup of tea and a pie at half time. A unique matchday programme was also produced for the occasion.

Although the performance and result were disappointing, the attendance of first team manager Paul Hegarty and assistant manager John Holt lifted spirits and the pair took time out at the end to present goalkeeper Euan Rose with Man of the Match. Voted for by the parents, Euan received a ball, signed by the current first team squad.

MONTROSE FC BENEFITTING FROM EUROPEAN EXPERIENCE

Montrose Football Club and Links Park Community Trust (LPCT) were networking last week with fellow European Football for Development Network (EFDN) members at a conference at PSV in Eindhoven, Netherlands.

The EFDN is a club led network of 30 professional football clubs from 14 European countries who are convinced of the social power of football.

Following last year’s successful events at Manchester United and VfL Wolfsburg, this conference was entitled, ‘More than Football: Community & Social Responsibility in European Club Football’.

Peter Davidson, LPCT Project Manager said, “This was a very inspiring event. We heard some great speakers and got involved in breakout sessions and practical workshops. It’s a fantastic achievement for a small club like Montrose FC to be sitting round the same table as some of the biggest clubs in Europe, both learning and contributing in how we use football to tackle common social issues.”

Derek Sim, Chairman of Montrose FC and LPCT added, “We are one of only seven clubs representing the UK in the EFDN, the others being Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Fulham, Rangers and Greenock Morton.

“It may look like we are punching above our weight in terms of the calibre of these clubs, but when you compare the quality of the social and educational programmes being delivered in the local communities, we are more than holding our own and sharing just as much as we are learning.

“We only joined the EFDN last year, but thanks to the fantastic work of Peter and his team we have already been selected to participate in a European-wide education programme and we have also just been awarded a ‘UEFA Foundation for Children’ grant to roll out a secondary school programme for disengaged pupils, at Montrose Academy.

Our picture shows Derek (left) with Peter at the Philips Stadium during the conference.

Find out more about the EFDN at www.efdn.org