George Best at Burrelton
It's a little-known fact that one of the greatest footballers in
the world, and arguably Britain's finest of all-time, pulled on the
Scone Thistle jersey not long after he had been at the height of
his playing powers.
In August 1982 George Best made a 20-minute substitute appearance
for the team in a pre-season tournament, scoring a spectacular solo
goal in a win against Scone Amateurs. The tournament also hosted
local team Coupar Angus (for whom Scottish 60s hero Alan Gilzean
had once played) and Vale of Atholl from Pitlochry (coached by
a green newcomer called Paul Sturrock, lately having ended a fine
playing career with Dundee Utd). Best, the former Manchester United
wizard, then went on to play for Arbroath Vics taking
part in a centenary match at Gayfield against Arbroath FC, and
scoring twice in a 4-3 win for his "team for the day".
The reason for his appearances was, quite simply, money. He had
been hit with an income tax bill which required full and quick
settlement and he was able to command appearance fees which helped
him to clear the debt. This was not long after he had finished
playing for Hibs, which had followed his spell at Fulham.
Reports from the time suggest that George Best appeared genuinely
interested in the local football teams for which he played, and he
made himself available after the games to talk to anyone who wanted
an audience with him. He was accompanied by ex-Miss World, Mary
Stavin, who stole the show for her own reasons. She was also said
to have been down-to-earth and ready to chat and joke with
locals. They attended the Aerodrome Inn in Scone and then moved on
to Murrayshall Hotel where Best held court at the bar. He was
drinking heavily, but nothing stronger than tea!
Historical gems like this are freely to be found in the many source
documents of the
Local Studies and
Archive sections of the
AK Bell Library. Staff are always delighted to help turn them
up.
