Magazine June 22

DEDICATED TO THE SCOTTISH NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM & SUPPORTERS Win this award
Julie Fleeting
Est 2005 David Tanner

John Bleasdale
Steve Clarke

Tartan Shorts
World Cup

Dream Is Over
The Tartan

Army Gallery
Sing with
Ukraine
and lots
more...

2022_ISSUE 2

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A HUGE ‘THANK YOU” TO EVERYONE WHO READ A
COPY OF THE LAST ISSUE. YOUR SUPPORT, FEEDBACK
AND CONTRIBUTIONS ARE ALWAYS APPRECIATED.

Remember, you can still read a copy of previous issues of ‘Famous Tartan
Army Magazine’ free of charge at our website, which is at
www.tartanarmymagazine.com
In previous issues you will find Steve Clarke and Shelley Kerr speaking ‘in
their own words’, read the Tartan Army’s favourite singer Ted Christopher
interview, read the facebook feedback comments on VAR,
Sky Sports presenter Luke Shanley’s love affair with Scotland,
Richard McBrearty column, read the views of Scottish Football
Supports Association, Wilf Parkinson, John Bleasdale, and s
ee epic tartan army photos, and as they say… lots, lots ,more!

You’ll also find details of how to get your hands on a printed
copy too, while stocks last!

Check us out on facebook and twitter too

DUNFERMLINE
TARTAN ARMY-
WE’LL BE COMING…
ON SIX FLIGHTS!

Pictured here is Graeme Baxter and members of the well travelled Dunfermline
Tartan Army, who ended up to taking SIX flights to see Scotland take on Armenia.
Despite the poor performance, 3-0 loss in Dublin, they arrived in the capital city
of Yerevan by various gruelling routes to see Scotland in the Nations League.

His group travelled from Scotland to Ireland, then on to Poland and through to
Armenia, taking 18 hours before touching down in Yerevan. Graeme explained:
“We left Dublin at 8am on Sunday, through Poznan, Warsaw and arrived in
Yerevan 6am local time. It was a dreadful performance in Dublin and an awful
result, but there’s plenty games left in this campaign.”
Graeme gave his take on the gruelling trip to Armenia

“It was a brilliant trip in a really cool city, and the performance and the 4-1 result
were well worth the travel. It took 3 flights there from Ireland last Sunday, and
then a bit of nightmare journey home taking 24 hours last Thursday. A delayed
flight out of Yerevan, a missed connection back to Heathrow meaning a 4 hour
delay, and then 5 hours on the train back up to Fife. Re the game it was a bad
start, but the positives were that we got back in the game quickly. It was good to
see us take advantage of poor discipline from the Armenians, and put the foot
down second half with a couple of really well worked goals! It can be stressful
travelling and I was a bit concerned at Dublin with their airport issues, however
it all went to plan.

Coming back is always easier on the nerves as any missed flight doesn’t result in
a missed match, but thankfully all went to plan!

02

CONTENTS June 2022

4 Tartan Shorts 18 John Bleasdale Book Launch
6–7 Ukraine and Out 19 Steve Clark In His Own Words
8–9 The Tartan Army Sunshine Appeal 20 The Tartan Army in Armenia Gallery
11 Perdro Martinez Losa In His Own Words 21 Home Required For Lovely Award
12–15 Julie Fleeting Interview 22–23 Fans With Microphones with David Tanner
16–17 The Tartan Army in Ireland Gallery

Welcome to the latest issue of Famous Tartan Army Magazine.
For this issue I had visualised the front cover being a picture of the World Cup, with heading being ‘We’ll be coming’.
But as we all know after crashing out to Ukraine that we wont be ‘coming’ to Qatar after all, and so that cover is now on
hold for another four years!

To follow Scotland you definitely need to have a ‘half pint full’ type attitude to help you get over these disappointments.
Losing in the manner we did to Ukraine was the thing that was so disappointing. Scotland just never turned up which was
so frustrating, especially after the excellent unbeaten run Scotland had been to get to this opportunity. The performance in
Ireland was a concern also, but thankfully the wins over Armenia, means that we are still in with a fighting chance of topping
the table for The Euros.

Yes the beer glass is definitely half full again and we go again in September.
Hope you enjoy this issue, and thank you to all who have contributed.

Iain Emerson
Editor

If you wish to contribute in any way please get in touch:
Browse: www.tartanarmymagazine.com
Email: [email protected]
Call: 07725 502 465
Visit our facebook and Twitter
‘Famous Tartan Army Magazine’

SCOTLAND’S INTERNATIONAL HONOURS

Kirin Cup Winners 2006
British International Championships
Outright wins 24 times – 1884, 1885, 1887, 1889, 1894, 1896, 1897, 1900, 1902, 1910, 1921, 1922, 1923,
1925, 1926, 1929, 1936, 1949, 1951, 1962, 1963, 1967, 1976, 1977.
Title shared with at least one other nation
17 times – 1886, 1890, 1903, 1906, 1908, 1912, 1927, 1931, 1935, 1939, 1953, 1956, 1960, 1964,
1970, 1972, 1974

TARTAN ARMY AWARDS

Winners: UEFA Fair Play Award, Euro 1992. Runners-up: (but should have won) UEFA Fair Play Award, Euro 1996
Winners: Fair Play Prize 2001. Awarded by Belgian Olympic Committee for sportmanlike conduct during qualifying
game versus Belgium (the first and only time the award has been presented to anyone outside Belgium).
Awarded: Scroll from Birmingham Council for Outstanding Conduct and Friendliness. Euro 1996.
Awarded: Engraved crystal football awarded to the Tartan Army and Scotland Manager Craig Brown by The Scottish Tourist
Board 1999. Since Scotland hasn’t qualified for any major finals since 1998, the Tartan Army hasn’t been able to scoop any
more awards, so we’ll give it one instead....
Awarded: Best Supporters in the World Ever, no messing, presented to the Tartan Army by The Famous Tartan Army Magazine 2019

03

Crowd entering Hampden for Photographed here in Dublin David Marshall has Aberdeen pays homage to two of its legends as Denis Law
recent SWNT match versus are the unsung heroes of the announced his retirement and Sir Alex Ferguson are rightfully being immortalised in the
Spain. A healthy 7,804 were in tartan army. Seen here clearing from international
attendance. up the litter from the streets after football after gaining 47 city. Denis explained this recognition ‘meant everything to me”
the tartan army had invaded. caps. whilst Sir Alex said that ‘it’s a fantastic honour’
Thanks for the memories,
thanks for the saves and
well always have your
song to sing !

John McGinn presents Poppy Lord with a well deserved SFSA fan of the year award. Anthony Ralston explains after scoring for
The boss Steve Clarke was there to congratulate her too. Well done Scotland

Signs do work! This attendance was very “You know, it’s a lot to take in. A first start
One lucky fan showing off her impressive versus Armenia, and a first goal. It’s a very proud moment
new Che Adams top. considering Scotland had just lost for, you know, myself, my wee girl, all my
to Ukraine and also there were family, everyone involved.
If your going to get photo transport issues due to the train
bombed, then who better strike. “My wee girl is just two years old but she’ll
to do this than Super
John McGinn! be able to watch that goal back when she’s
older. It’s just a proud moment, overall.
< Remember this one? “It’s every kid’s dream to not only play for
Epic photo from Sweden that your country one day but to score. Scoring
was later used for this leaflet wasn’t really on the agenda for me but now
handed out to the tartan army that I’ve done it, it’s a special moment.”
in London prior to match versus
England. The Hampden
Museum
currently has
memorabilia
from the tartan
army on display.
If you haven’t
already been
this is a must
do visit.

Tartan Army in London, singing
in the rain. Posing for an Italian
newspaper article on the tartan

04 army

TOP SCOTTISH FOOTBALL BOOKSCURwehKaedw’scsakwlmeopa.luepddtiiingstigtocalmihcnhedappettueporbespfnrlSodimsceohhnuttntidnissrephgdosf.orocftotsootppb.suupaoblkrltlstisittihtlleeessrF.RfrEoEm. the TRY

BUYBEFORE YOU

ATRfrueeOtNvguiiersPDewtersreSbClfeyoPaHrasouOeEutshrRaConnresTKdwafSsonlOredtnTrtUoeetsIripTTftieocLcarMtteeEicodeAnSsisvpNeooOfarYftlolsNtrchtMoLhemclIoaOmNmteeRisEnntgtEnavetiowdresso.on

PitchPublishing

05

UKRAINE & OUT

Losing to Ukraine in our World Cup With the eyes of the world watching, However the hand of friendship was
play off semi final was a tough one and probably hoping for Ukraine to win, extended before kick off as fans
for everyone to take. they impressed from the first whistle exchanged hugs and handshakes prior
Scotland had gone in to this match and goals from Andriy Yarmolenko and to the match, and it was very touching
hoping to defeat Ukraine and then Roman Yaremchuk saw them take a to witness the Ukrainian national
head to Cardiff a few days later to two-goal lead. anthem being sung on the steps of
face Wales to decide who would be John McGinn had a golden chance Hampden by people from Glasgow’s
heading of to the World Cup in Qatar to pull a goal back for Scotland but Town Choir, Scotland fans, a Ukrainian
later this year. wasted it, before Callum McGregor’s opera singer and further Ukrainian
It had been 24 years since Scotland effort crossed the line deep into the singers with instruments.
reached the World Cup finals and second half. The team from Duolingo had created
unfortunately that wait now continues However, with Scotland pressing for an a sing along video and provided a
as Steve Clarke’s impressive unbeaten equaliser Artem Dovbyk scored a third hand out with the words to the anthem
run ended in front of a sell out for the visitors with almost the last kick to allow the scots to participate in
Hampden crowd. of the game to set-up their play-off final singing the Ukrainian national anthem,
To say the game was a disappointment against Wales. There were emotional and The Scottish Football Supporters
as we went down 1-3 at home would scenes of celebration among the Association (SFSA) helped facilitate the
be an understatement. Expectations Ukraine fans that had remained in the occasion. A big thank you must also go
were high before kick off, however the stadium long after the final whistle. to The SFA who allowed this to take
team never really turned up, and we place on the front steps of the stadium.
were left feeling totally deflated as we Tickets for the match had been eagerly
missed out once again. sought after and hard to come by, as
Prior to the game the nation was everyone wanted to be there. It had
gripped with fever and excitement been too long since we last qualified
in anticipation of this home match for The World Cup, and we all dared
at Hampden, which Scotland had to dream, especially after successfully
secured thanks to an excellent win over qualifying for Euros at long last. But
Denmark. It probably hadn’t helped ultimately it wasn’t to be.
having the game delayed from its There had been talk before hand about
scheduled date earlier in the year due some people in Scotland wanting
to the war in Ukraine, as our players Ukraine to go through and qualify
looked tired at the end of a long for the World Cup, and whilst no
domestic season, however there were one would deny that this would be a
no excuses to be made as we produced very fitting scenario due to the war in
one of our worst performances under Ukraine, it was not a view shared by the
Steve Clarke with Ukraine being the vast majority of Scotland fans who were
deserved winners. willing their team to reach a World Cup
again.

06

Another touching moment was to
meet Scotsman Clark Gillies and his
Ukrainian wife Victoria as they attended
the match together before going to
different ends of the stadium to watch
the match.
Victoria explained that all Ukrainians
wanted any kind of victory in any event,
like The Eurovision Song Contest or
anything, as in her opinion Ukraine
winning is kind of a step closer for
winning the war against Russia.
The couple had met each other when
Scotland were playing away in Lithuania
in 2003, and married three years later.
Clark met Victoria on a Tartan Army
jaunt to Lithuania in 2003 when she
was working for Christian Aid and he
was watching Berti Vogts’ Scotland go
down 1-0 in Kaunas.
They kept in touch and Clark attended
Victoria’s graduation ceremony in
Ukraine. The Tartan Army theme
continued and they met again for what
was to be Vogts’ last match as manager
– an infamous 1-1 draw against
Moldova in Chisinau.
Clark was pleased that the game was
taking place, as he feared a few short
weeks ago that the game wasn’t going
to happen, and that Scotland would
get a bye and play Wales in the final.
Clark was obviously gutted that
Scotland didn’t win the match however
was pleased that Ukraine had shown
the world and Russia that they’re not
going to back down quietly as a nation.

07

The Sunshine Appeal The presentation took place at the St (€4600) to Kerrie Clohessy, Ken Powell
90 and 91st Donations Laurence O’Toole Recreation Centre in and nine-year-old footballer Logan
Dublin, where Irish and Scottish football Grimes, representing SARI.
IRELAND fans celebrated the two countries’ Logan is one of dozens of children
The Sunshine Appeal’s 90th consecutive friendship with a gathering hosted by aged eight to 13 who benefit directly
donation was made in Dublin. It was SARI at which musical entertainment from SARI’s Sheriff Street kids’ football
actually a challenge to find a suitable was provided by visiting Scottish piper programme. An aspiring goalkeeper
recipient as many of Ireland’s children’s Mark Love. Others attending included with dreams of playing for Ireland,
charities are already well supported excited local children, aged eight to 13, Logan was thrilled to be a guest of the
but, with the current issues surrounding who benefit from SARI’s Sheriff Street FAI today and especially delighted to
racism, homophobia and other kids’ football programme. meet Packie Bonner.
discrimination in football and sport in Commenting at the presentation, SARI
general, we chose SARI, Sports Against events co-ordinator Kerrie Clohessy
Racism, Ireland. said: “We are so honoured to have
SARI are an Irish NGO founded in been chosen by the Tartan Army for
1997 and are dedicated to positive their Irish donation. Everywhere they
integration and social inclusion through go, they always choose a children’s
sport. Working with schools, Direct charity, so we’ve decided to put their
Provision centres, refugee and local gift towards the running costs of our
communities, SARI delivers anti- kids’ football programme in the Sheriff
discrimination educational workshops, Street area. We’re very grateful to our
intercultural sporting events and a Scottish friends and we were delighted
Young Leaders programme, collectively to welcome them to Sheriff Street today
creating opportunities for all. The to meet many of the kids who take part
TASA donation will specifically go in our local football programme there.
towards the running costs of their Later in the day, the Football
kids’ football programme in the Association of Ireland very kindly
Sheriff Street area of Dublin. It’s arranged for us to handover the
one of the most socio-economically presentation cheque in the Aviva
disadvantaged communities in Ireland, Stadium in front of supporters and
so it’s particularly important to nurture the assorted media before the match.
youngsters’ interest in sport and let Watched by Ireland World Cup hero
them understand the importance of Packie Bonner, Neil Forbes and Diane
positive integration. Doig of the Tartan Army Sunshine
Appeal presented a cheque for £4000

08

The Irish legend said: “As an Irishman 09
living in Glasgow, I am well aware
of the passion of the Scottish and
Irish fans and I am delighted to
witness the power of football today
with this donation from the Tartan
Army Sunshine Appeal to SARI. The
friendship between our fans has always
been great and this is a wonderful
gesture by the visiting supporters.”
So another fantastic donation from
the Sunshine Appeal to help tackle a
problem which is sadly still an issue
in 2022 and a donation very much
appreciated by the charity.
ARMENIA
After Ireland, The Sunshine Appeal
made their 91st consecutive
presentation which was at the
Averstaran Centre, Yerevan in Armenia,
which is a support centre for autistic
children. Fourteen tartan army
supporters attended and were warmly
received by the staff and children, who
laid on a wonderful buffet as well as
performing a traditional local dance for
their guests. £4,000 was handed over
which converts to over 2 million drams
in local currency.
Footnote:
What an achievement. With YOUR
support, the consecutive donations
since 2003 has broken into the 90’s,
and the cumulative total has gone to
over £250,000 - yes that’s a quarter of
a million pounds Scottish supporters
have provided in the previous 19 years.
Here’s to many more.
You can support The Sunshine appeal
by purchasing merchandise such as :
car stickers, Tartan Army Sunshine
Appeal wristbands, Pin Badges and
T-shirts, please visit their website at
www.tasunshineappeal.scot/
to find out more.

John Collins slots home his penalty kick versus Brazil

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16

PEDRO Photo by Colin Robinson Imaging
MARTINEZ
LOSA…

IN HIS OWN WORDS

On coaching a national team
Women’s football has been my path, where I developed and had
opportunities. I’ve always looked at it like representing your
country, aspiring for the best, and taking part in a World Cup.
That was one of my possibilities. I thought about coaching a
national team and then the Scotland job came up.
The difference between club and International football
Before taking on this role, I did quite a bit of preparation,
I was aware of how things might be for me. Things have
changed, since we spend less time with the players, but the
planning and the means at my disposal are more exciting.
The chance to represent a nation like Scotland motivates me…
and dreaming about taking part in a World Cup or EURO.
On the prospect off leading Scotland to a second
Women’s World Cup
When I arrived, I saw a group that was keen to put things
right and to find another way to get back to that same level.
We couldn’t forget that Scotland had qualified for a World Cup
and EURO for the first time. We’re now lucky to have a generation
of players who are capable of qualifying and achieving our objective.
The role of the fans
We’re a team that likes to get on the ball, to express ourselves and
that wants the fans on our side, to be our 12th man in many of the
games we play at Hampden Park.
I want us to play attractive football so the fans can identify with the
team, to inspire generations of girls and women in Scotland, so that
the team is remembered for achieving something special during these years.
On losing to Spain 2-0 at Hampden
We improved little details. We had time to work more with the individual
players, prepare for the opponents and make sure the girls understood what it
is to compete at the highest level.
The new progress of the women’s game is bringing us to a new
level of excellence.
It’s about the result of course, but also it’s about the big picture.
The fact we are disappointed with a 2-0 loss means something.
Everything takes time, it’s a process, but I think this group made a
big step in terms of their confidence and it proves what we can do.

11

www.robinson.photo

Julie Fleeting Interview:

Julie reflects on her career with John Bleasdale

SCOTLAND’S record goalscorer, the Speaking exclusively to Famous Tartan felt I was able to do that. I had more
answer is obvious, isn’t it? It’s shared Army Magazine, Julie recalls her impact on the games whenever I was
between Kenny Dalglish and Denis childhood days mixing with the boys given the opportunity to go forward.
Law, yes? before that transition from defence For me, I was finding my feet in the
Well, that’s true of the Men’s National to attack when she moved to the game, and once I was in at a team, I
Team, but not overall. girls set up. She said: “When I went was determined to get myself to the
The correct answer, of course, is Julie to my boys’ club, I was only nine, so other end of the pitch.”
Fleeting, who hit an astonishing 116 at that point you haven’t really found Julie Fleeting’s talents were being
goals in 121 caps over an international your way in the game. You’ve no idea noticed at an early age and it was long
career that lasted nearly two decades. what type of player you want to be, afterwards when she received her first
What is even more remarkable about what’s going to suit you, so when I Scotland cap at the age of just 15 in
that statistic is that Julie began her went there, I think I played all different a match against Wales in 1996. She’d
career as a CENTRE HALF! It was only positions, and for the majority of it I earned four full caps by the time she
when she moved into an all-girls team did settle at the back. That wasn’t my turned 16 then scored the first of
at the age of 12, joining Prestwick choice! That was the coach and, to be her record-breaking total away, we
Girls, that she was given a chance to honest, I would’ve played anywhere, believe, to Estonia, though she admits
play in her preferred position of centre I was just happy to be on the pitch she can’t remember.
forward. and getting a game. I did probably One game Julie doesn’t forget in a
know at that stage that I wanted to hurry was on 1 June 1998 against
12 be more involved in the attack, and
when I started at girls’ football then I www.robinson.photo

Continued and you played with how you had 2001, just a couple of months shy of her
Lithuania played at Scotstoun. seen it. She came in and completely 21st birthday. She then did the remarkable
Needing to win by 17 clear goals to changed all of our thinking and tried thing by netting her 100th goal in a 3-0
pip Czech Republic for an opportunity to progress the game, and she did a win over Slovakia in October 2007, which
to qualify for the 1999 World Cup, great deal, but she worked and she came before her 100th cap a month later
Fleeting hit four goals, including a battled really hard because she came at home to Denmark.
last-minute header that, remarkably, from Holland where the game was Getting to the century of goals mark
clinched the 17-0 victory they required much further on than what it was in really meant something to Julie, especially
to advance to the elite playoff round. Scotland. She could see where we given that she aimed to achieve that
Although they lost to Spain in those could get to and she fought really hard before getting the hundredth cap, as she
playoffs, that 17-0 win, which remains to try and get us there.” explains: “I remember as time was getting
a record for the Scotland Women’s Although qualifications for World closer to my 100th cap, I remember being
National Team, is still memorable to Cup’s and European Championships aware of how many goals I had scored
Fleeting, with the added ingredient were passing by, Julie Fleeting and thinking that I would love to get goals
that the Head Coach that day was her continued to make the headlines for before caps. I remember going into the
dad Jim, who was Director of Football all the right reasons at club level as well Slovakia game and it being my 99th cap,
Development at the SFA from 1992 as International. She had a successful and I had 99 goals. We had opportunities
until 2018. stint in America with San Diego Spirit, in the first half, I hadn’t scored, and then
Recalling that incredible day, Julie netting an impressive 14 goals in 26 second half I remember getting the ball
said: “That was one of the greatest games, before coming home to Ross and just turning in the box and getting
games, not just ones that I’ve played County. After a short spell in Dingwall, my goal. It was relief I think because I
in, I don’t think I’ve heard of a game she got the opportunity of a lifetime put that pressure on myself to say that I
quite as special as that. My dad had by joining Arsenal in 2004, and spent wanted to score the 100th goal before I
just taken over in between coaches so, eight highly successful years at a club reached 100 caps. I had put that on myself
because he was an SFA employee, he who allowed her to commute from and I was just relieved. Nobody else was
was the one who had the knowledge Scotland every week for matches such bothered I don’t think but, for me, I had
of the women’s game, no-one else was how highly rated her talent was. set that aim and target, I do that to myself
did. He had gone to watch me most That form continued for club as Julie, throughout my career internally to have
weekends, so he was the one who by now captain of the Women’s these targets in my mind, and I was always
knew players within the league, and National Team, was banging in the really determined that I’ll get there.
that’s why he stepped in. He was a part goals. She netted four goals on her
of it, we had to qualify for the top tier 50th cap against Wales in October
and 17 goals was required. To not only
get 17 goals, to get the exact number 13
in the 90-odd minute, it’s just quite a
story. It’s one that the players I’m still
quite close to we talk about over and
over again because you actually can’t
believe that it happened and that we
were a part of it.”
After a brief stint under dad Jim,
Julie’s next Head Coach would be
Dutchwoman Vera Pauw. Vera set
about changing the culture amongst
how women footballers would view
the game, including the expectations
ofnaewmcooarceh pPerodrfoesMsiaortninaelzaLtotistaude from
her players.
For Julie, who was only 17 at this
point and about to start university
to become a PE teacher, it was eye-
opening. She said: “When Vera came
in, I had just started University, and
she completely changed the game
for us and Scotland. She came in
and instantly wanted to improve the
professionalism within the clubs, within
the players themselves, she taught us
a lot in terms of the education of the
game. We had originally been coached
at our clubs by people who were just
volunteering and giving up their time.
Then we had a coach who was in and
it was a full-time job, she was there to
kind of develop the game itself. I feel
that was when I changed about how I
thought about the game, before you
just played with freedom on the pitch
www.robinson.photo

Continued a National Team coach to be. She was away goals to Russia in the playoffs for
Long before reaching a century of extremely approachable; she would the Euro 2009 Finals, and finishing one
goals and caps, Julie had another new do absolutely anything to ensure that point behind Denmark for a playoff
Head Coach who would help shape you had the best off the pitch as well berth to reach the 2011 World Cup.
the game for the better in Scotland. as on it. She had set up a backroom Undoubtedly, there is disappointment
Swede Anna Signeul arrived in 2005 team, her coaching staff, to make sure that the group of players Julie played
and the complexion of the Women’s we had the best and were treated under couldn’t break that door down.
game up here changed forever. This well. All of a sudden, we did see these However, she has nothing but good
was not just for the National Team changes, and it wasn’t a coincidence memories along the way thanks to the
either as Anna worked with the that the game was slowly changing, spirit and camaraderie with the girls
governing bodies to help introduce a not only domestically but in terms of she played with in her international
more professional set up at club level, how we performed on the pitch, and career, most of whom remain good
which has seen the Scottish Women’s Anna was at the forefront of all of friends with her to this day.
Premier League flourish, and seen that.” She said: “I remember the last group
more academy systems come into Despite racking up the goals and caps of qualifiers that I had played (pre-
play. forhercountry, therewasonethingthat pregnancy). It was a playoff, and we
eluded Julie Fleeting’s international were away in Russia, and we lost out by
She was also allowed to bring in her career – the chance to play in a major an own goal, and that was the closest
own backroom team in her main role international tournament. There were that we had come. We just felt it was
as Scotland Women’s Head Coach, some near misses, such as losing on within touching distance for us, and
and Julie saw the benefits of this. She
said: “She was everything you wanted

www.robinson.photo

14

Continued Erin Cuthbert as they became part
kind of almost pulled from under our of history by playing at these finals,
feet. Each time, it was a massive blow but overall was proud to see them
for all of us, it was years of hard work, represent their country at a major
and for it all to not come together in the international tournament. She said:
end was really hard to take. But I have “I would’ve loved to have played at
to say, the most special bit of playing a tournament; I would’ve absolutely
in the National Team is the people loved it. I’ve never felt jealous, I’ve
that I played with. We would spend so always felt like I’ve got to go as a
much of our time with them, way more pundit, I got to witness it, I had great
than what the men’s team will. Our friends that were on the pitch, players I
camps were ten days long because we was so chuffed for to actually see them
weren’t professional at home, so if you get that chance. I would’ve loved to
wanted to get your team together, have been on the pitch but I never felt
they wouldn’t be training together if that kind of jealousy towards them. I
they stayed at home. We would be felt that the players that had gone
at our work, we would be at Uni, we before had contributed, and Anna was
would be going to school, so it was still there for the first tournament, I
always really important that, when we was absolutely delighted that she had
came together, that we got a decent been able to fulfil her target, and then
amount of time, and these are players it being Shelley, another really great
and girls that I spent my full teenage friend, so I had nothing but absolute
and twenties with. It’s the greatest joy for all of the people that were
bit of the game is who I met and the involved.”
memories that I made along the way. Julie Fleeting may not have played
In between the qualifying campaigns at a major tournament, but her
for Euro 2009 and World Cup 2011, place in Scottish Football folklore is
Julie gave birth to her first child Ella undisputed. She is one of the first
in 2009. She made her international players most people think of when
comeback in a 4-1 defeat by you mention Women’s Football in this
Netherlands in February 2010 and country, and is recognised UK wide
soon rediscovered her goalscoring for her achievements at Arsenal and
habit by netting four times in an 8-1 is appreciated stateside for her time
win over Bulgaria six weeks later. in America. She was one of the role
Julie then scored five goals in nine models for the likes of Weir, Cuthbert,
appearances, with the last of her 116 Clare Emslie etc to aspire to and
goals coming in a 1-0 win over Belgium build on the foundations she and her
in August 2011. teammates left.
Julie then had her second daughter, It meant everything to Julie to
Sophia, in 2012 and ended a three- represent her country, and to score as
and-a-half-year international exile on 8 many goals as she did in a Scotland
February 2015, coming on as a second shirt is something that she will treasure.
half substitute in a 4-0 win away to It will take a very good striker to come
Northern Ireland. Unfortunately, this close to that record let alone attempt
comeback attempt proved to be the to surpass that 116 goalscoring haul.
last appearance of Julie Fleeting in a When asked to summarise her time
Scotland jersey, and she called time on with the Scotland Women’s National
IntneerwnactoiaocnhaPleFdorootMbaarltlianeftzeLroasna amazing Team, Julie said “Playing for Scotland
haul of 121 caps for her country. She was my absolute everything! It was
retired from the game completely in my lifestyle, it was on and off the
2016 and had her third child, Matilda, pitch, it was my reason for choosing
the following year. my occupation was to fit roundabout
By this time, a bunch of girls following football. It just consumed my full life,
in the footsteps of Julie, Suzanne Grant and the National Team is just the
and co broke down the door that absolute pinnacle of your career. When
took the Scotland Women’s National you get to pull on the jersey and get
Team into unchartered territory. First, to do it, and to lead out my country
they qualified for the 2017 European as well and sing the national anthem,
Championships in Netherlands in for me, was always so special and
Anna Signeul’s final campaign as Head something that I’m incredibly proud
Coach. Her successor, Shelley Kerr, of, and something that the memories
another former teammate of Julie’s, will always live with me forever.”
led them to the 2019 World Cup in
France. 15
Although she went with them as a TV
pundit, Julie could’ve been forgiven
for being a little envious at the likes
of Caroline Weir, Leanne Crichton and
www.robinson.photo

PICS FROM FACEBOOK TARTAN ARMY GROUPS
16

17

JOHN BLEASDALE
BOOK LAUNCH
‘Scotland’s Swedish Adventure’

It was a privilege recently to attend John Having qualified for five consecutive World Hugh MacDonald. Also in attendance was
Bleasdale’s book launch at the ‘Hampden Cup finals tournaments between 1974 and Ex Scotland boss Craig Brown, 27 times
Museums Hall of Fame’ for his excellent 1990, it was surprising the Scots hadn’t yet capped Scotland player Dave McPherson,
new book titled “Scotland’s Swedish reached the Euro finals given the array of and commentator Jock Brown. Joining
Adventure”. talent at their disposal. Andy Roxburgh John and Hugh at the top table was John’s
John, as regular readers will would soon change that, and after being young son Callum, who delivered an
know, is part of the team drawn into the ultimate ‘group of death’ excellent speech regarding the situation in
here at the ‘Famous Tartan Ukraine.
Army Magazine’ and his that included John describes his big day at the
contributions have been the reigning Hampden Hall of Fame.
pivotal to the magazines European and ‘Without doubt this was one of the best
ongoing success. John world champions, days of my life. To be showcasing my book
also co-hosts the ‘Scottish his side repeatedly in front of an audience was truly amazing.
Football Forums Podcast’ put on brave When I decided eleven months ago I
which is well worth a listen to performances was writing a book commemorating the
hear nightly chat and banter against superior 30th anniversary of Scotland’s first ever
on all that is going on in the opposition to European Championship Finals, never did
Scottish football world. make the nation I imagine that it would be so well received,
Not only that, John has a full proud. and the fact that all the seats were taken
time job and is married with up in the Hall of Fame exhibit at Hampden
two young children, which The book was tremendous. I couldn’t have asked
begs the question where explores the story for a better host than Hugh MacDonald,
did John find the time to behind the road or a better support act than Callum, and
research and write his first, to qualification, I’m delighted that Dave McPherson, Jock
and hopefully the first of many, with exclusive Brown and Craig Brown were there to
books. insight from some support me. Thank you to everyone who
John explained at the launch of the men who turned up to support me, and those who
that the next time he would made this adventure have supported me throughout the journey
give himself longer to pull it happen, including Andy I don’t normally give myself praise but
all together, but it was clear Roxburgh, the players, I’m bloody proud of myself for this
that he had enjoyed it all and journalists and fans. accomplishment. Most writers take 18
researching and writing the That Scotland qualified months to two years, sometimes longer,
book had been a labour of for an eight-team to produce a book, I done mine in seven
love. tournament, and months and I have a full time job and two
Scotland’s Swedish Adventure is the finished fifth in the kids, and I believe I’ve produced a quality
definitive story of Scotland’s journey into overall standings, is an product that brings to life an event in the
their first ever European Championship achievement that doesn’t get the Scotland National Teams history that is
finals, in Sweden. recognition and respect it deserves. This underappreciated. It’s amazing that it’s
book, released on the 30th anniversary taken me to the age of 41 to realise my
remedies that. potential!
“Also, a big shout out to my amazing
The launch was very well attended, wife Suzanne who made a truly fantastic
especially considering that it took place cake to commemorate the occasion. It
on a Monday morning, and was hosted by went down really well with the audience,
and no wonder, it was delicious. If you
18 haven’t ordered a cake from ‘Suzie Bee
Bakes’, where have you been? Get on it for
whatever your occasion, you won’t regret
it. Her support has been tremendous and
encouraged me from day one to make a go
of the book. She is one amazing woman’
The day was recorded by the team at
‘A State of Mind’ and can be viewed
on youtube https://m.youtube.com/
watch?v=f7P3KhPRU24 where you can
see and hear John discuss how he brought
his idea to fruition.
To buy the book go to Pitch Publishing
www.pitchpublishing.co.uk

STEVE CLARKE In his own words...
On losing to Ukraine in The World Cup It is a role that Andy has really grown into are not going to make this international
Play Off and sometimes he doesn’t quite get the camp a good camp, because it wasn’t.
My initial thoughts are that the best team mentions that maybe he should do. We failed on our primary objective – to
won the game, It’s obviously disappointing And captains are important at this time, get to the World Cup. We failed on that
for us. people you are looking for to step up, and we had a really bad performance in
Sometime the opposition play better than John McGinn, Callum McGregor that was Dublin, which put us on the back foot
you and that was the case on this occasion. important as well. again. It’s nice to bounce back versus
I knew that Ukraine would be well prepared The Tartan Army Armenia but there is work to do.
and they were well prepared. They’re a We nearly had 40,000 here today which is
good team. a great attendance after last week. It’s just Photo by Colin Robinson Imaging
We didn’t pass the ball well enough in the what the supporters needed.
first half, and that’s also credit to Ukraine, On Anthony Ralston
they pressed us and got on top of my two It’s not a bad game to start and get his
ball-playing midfield players. We couldn’t first goal. I’m really pleased for Anthony.
really get out.

I decided to make a change at half time Losing to 3-0 to Ireland in Dublin
to try and address that and get another Ireland played better on the day.
midfield player on the pitch to try and play Football is a strange game at times and
through the lines. Before we had a chance sometimes you get a result that you don’t
to play with that system in the second half really expect.
we were two goals down. From there it was The result and the performance, no,
a long way back. nobody could see it coming, but I back
The first half, we didn’t play as we can play. these players 100%. I back them 100%
Sometimes that happens in football. When because they’ve been fantastic for the
we made the change, at 2-0 down we did country. It’s two big blows but sometimes
get a foothold in the game and started to life isn’t always nice all the time and
create some chances. straightforward. We’ll come back.

John McGinn missed a big chance with 30 For me, the biggest thing is we had
minutes to go, and I think if you make it 2-1 disappointment against Ukraine and
with 30 minutes to go then maybe you can then did OK versus Armenia, and then it’s
have a little more composure as you chase disappointment again. I have to analyse
the game. that and find out why that happened.

On not going to The World Cup As we always do, we will get together as
I am suffering, the coaching staff are a group, speak about things, show some
suffering and more than anybody the things on video and try to get them on
players are suffering. the training pitch and moving again for
What we shouldn’t forget is the progress the next game.
that we have made over the last three years, Winning in Yerevan versus Armenia 4-1
we came here eight games unbeaten but it There is pressure on every game in
was Ukraine’s night so congratulations to football when you are representing your
Ukraine. country. There is pressure in every game
Scotland beating Armenia 2-0 in UEFA in football. But I don’t think there is any
Nations League match at Hampden more pressure on this game than there
It was important to get back to winning would be normally.
ways. I had no doubts about the changes to It’s just about getting a win. We started
the team, I thought they were good for us. the game pretty slow, which was probably
It was important to refresh it and also a reaction to the long journey we had.
important for the boys who played last There was a lot of fatigue in the players’
week and had to go again. legs, which we haven’t spoken about too
Describing the importance of much, because we don’t want to be seen
the team captain to be making excuses.
I have to mention the captain, Andy But it was there and they got in behind us.
Robertson, I thought he was outstanding. At 1-0 down, we showed great character
He was outstanding in the dressing room to come back it puts us in a position now
before the game, himself, John McGinn, where we can go to September and have
Callum McGregor, leaders, taking us on a realistic chance of topping the group
the pitch in a good frame of mind and with and that’s what we wanted.
three good performances. Summing up these International games
But I thought the captain was exceptional. There are no excuses for the two games
It was just in general, as a captain, a leader. that we lost. Two wins against Armenia

19

PICS FROM FACEBOOK TARTAN ARMY GROUPS
21062

Home required for
this lovely award...

SFSA Fan Awards Winners

As we reported in the last issue, The Tartan Army were
voted the best travelling support in 2021 by Scottish
Football Supporters Association (SFSA), in the year that
they travelled in their thousands to London, and also to
Moldova and Faroe Islands too, as they cheered Scotland on.
Ian Emerson, Editor at Famous Tartan Army Magazine was
delighted to accept the award on behalf of The Tartan Army
and we are now running a competition to find a supporter
who genuinely deserves to have this lovely award, created
by Caithness Glass, sitting on their mantelpiece for their
services in travel to watch Scotland play in 2021.
Just let us know why you, or someone you nominate, deserve this award. There is no criteria other than they travelled to one
or more of these games. It could be they have never missed a game, it could be their first game away from home, or are you
the guys photographed clearing up the litter in London? Let us know your nomination and Ex Scotland boss Craig Brown will select
a worthy winner.
Photographed at Hampden recently were members of The Tartan Army sharing the award before we find a permanent recipient for it.

If you know someone you feel deserves to have this wonderful award by
Caithness Glass sitting on the mantelpiece please tell us why in an email to

[email protected]
The winner will be presented the award and we will publish the winner

in the next issue of our magazine. Good Luck.

21

MFAICNRSOWPIHTOHNES
David Tanner is one of the UK’s most accomplished broadcasters,

instantly recognisable as a live football TV presenter and event host.

“I am a big sports fan, and as a kid I I really enjoyed doing that. It was great the 1985 England game. I had climbed
loved watching and playing rugby, fun; I did this from the age of ten to the out of the enclosure and into the main
tennis, football and cricket. If there’s a age of sixteen when I then got a job as stand and I had in my hand a pen. And
Scotland strip involved, whatever that a part time assistant producer at Radio I clambered over all the people in their
sport is, that’s what gets me excited. Clyde. fur coats and tartan rugs to get to Rod
But overall football was the big one for Alistair Alexander the main BBC Stewart and got his autograph for my
me. commentator in the 1970’s was also an mother, who still has that ticket to this
My earliest memory watching Scotland ex blind commentator at Love Street, day. But then a big police inspector got
on television was in 1978 at home before moving to The BBC. a hold of me and said “wee man, you’ve
watching Scotland play Holland in the I’ve got these vivid memories of going got your autograph, now beat it’ and
game where Archie Gemmill’s scored with my father to Hampden. And we he threw me back into the enclosure.
that famous goal. Unfortunately I ended used to get the 37A bus. Well, first of A lot of these early games were pay
up in hospital in Greenock that night as all, we used to come up from Gourock at the gate. I remember the big long
I fell off the couch and nearly swallowed when I was in primary school and then queues leading to the old rickety
my Scotland flagpole that I had been later on it was the 37A bus down from north stand at Hampden before they
waving. Bishopbriggs. You could smell bevy demolished it. I saw Mark McGee score
My earliest memories of watching in the air from halfway down Cathcart in a one each draw with England in
Scotland live, was as a schoolboy Road. It was a wonderful feeling as 1994 and that was the last big game
when I was commentating for blind the atmosphere was building up to the for the North Stand. And the last big
supporters. I attended as part of game. And, then when you saw the old 80,000 crowd at Hampden. It wasn’t
the Rex Blind Parties, and in those Hampden Park it was it was a sight to as luxurious as it is today but it was a
days the Scottish FA, as they do now, behold. special stadium for special occasions.
looked after the blind supporters Hampden is a special place for me. It I watched all the home international
really well. I would have a little area had seen better days by the time I was games in these days, which I loved. And
in the enclosure in the old main stand attending in the 1980’s, but as I say it I loved the mass pipes and drums that
where I commentated for them and is special. I would always refer to the were on the pitch beforehand.
described the action on the field. Rex stadium as ‘good old Hampden Park’
Blind Parties is a national organization when I was broadcasting.
that organizes commentaries across I stuck up for Hampden when there was
Scotland at football games. It was set a an attempt to wrestle Scotland games
up by journalist Bob ‘Rex’ Kingsley and and cup finals away from the stadium,
has been active since 1937. as Murrayfield and Celtic Park were
My family connections with Rex Blind being pushed for consideration a few
Parties goes back to the very first game years ago. In my view, there was what
that Rex organised for blind footballing appeared to me, a campaign to smear
supporters on Christmas day and that Hampden, and so I stuck up for good
game was Third Lanark versus Hearts old Hampden Park on social media and
at Cathkin Park. My grandfather was on any broadcast I did. And you know
part of that group of men who had the I think Hampden really is a pristine
chance to go that day and Rex provided stadium. It is served by the relatively
a very professional commentary for new motorway, four railway stations
them. My father started commentating and two bus links or two major bus
for him when he was eight, sat on my routes at each end of the stadium, and
grandfather’s shoulders commentating there is segregation naturally in place.
to support the blind parties. I then It’s perfect for these big games.
picked up the mantel in the eighties and Hampden has so many memories for
commented week in week out which is me. I remember meeting Rod Stewart at
probably why my throat is so sore now!

212062

My desire to get into the media actually have 20 years at Sky in front
actually started when I was young, of the cameras introducing or in the
and still at primary school. There is a tunnel interviewing was just such a
tape somewhere of me reading out wonderful privilege, because you
the sports pages, probably from the were representing the fans. You’re
Glasgow Herald and the Daily Record, interviewing these people, you’re
and I am doing it in the style of the finding out what they, the fans, want
James Sanderson’s lunchtime sports to hear in a responsible and respectful
desk on Radio Clyde. At the time, and fashion, which you don’t get a lot of in
there was no doubt, my ambitions social media nowadays.
lay in radio. I hadn’t actually thought And it was such a privilege. I’m still
about television until Gerry McNee doing it now with Talk Sport, a top
approached me, which led me in the national radio station that has got a lot
direction of television. of time for Scottish football. I’m working
I was still at school when I started alongside Allan Brazil who scored in
working for Radio Clyde and have a World Cup win for Scotland. Coisty,
fond memories from my time there who of course scored in our last Euros
from 1988 to 1995. I then moved on to win, and then there’s Jim White as well.
television and STV when Gerry McNee Talk Sport have a great commitment
contacted me. From STV I moved to to Scotland and it’s lovely to be just
SKY after Davie Provan gave me a reflecting what the fans and what the
call to ask if I would be interested. I players and what the manager thinks.
remember I was just about to go on and I’ve been so so lucky that the wee boy
do the STV news at six. So I was sitting who did have the Umbro Argentina 78
there in my crisp, freshly ironed white strip in the house is still getting to watch
shirt, jacket and inch of stage makeup, and support Scotland. It is an absolute
and I recognize the number coming up delight being around Hampden Park
on my phone, my landline phone and whether it’s game day or not, and that
it was David Provan. I was always a fan still gives me a thrill and that makes
of Davie when growing up. I had his me very, very proud to say that. And I
picture in my sticker album and I always was a fan before it became hip to be
liked it as it would say that he was born a football fan before it became hip to
in Gourock. He had also attended the be a Scotland fan, and that’s something
same school as me. that I’ll never lose.
I have worked with and had so many I just always want Scotland to win, and
influences on my career. Theres been Paris was the highlight of my career. It
some wonderful people. My influences will never be topped unless we win the
in broadcasting were the likes of World Cup.
Richard Park, Jimmy Sanderson, Gerry And I must say thanks to the guys after
McNee who was probably the biggest the Paris game, who in the metro,
influence on me, and also on TV I liked which I thought was going to be
Archie Macpherson, who was such a derailed because they were jumping
wonderful wordsmith. up and down celebrating so much,
Through my role in broadcasting I’ve for giving us beers that we needed to
been so lucky to go on and meet help celebrate and join the party after
and interview so many legends. working filming and interviewing the
Pele, Maradona, Messi, Ranaldo, tartan army throughout the day.
Beckenbauer, Beckham, Eusabio, I have had great times mixing with
Jimmy Johnstone…the list goes on, but the tartan army over the years in such
Johan Cruyff was the best interviewee.  I places as Belarus and Kiev. The tartan
rate him as the best player that Europe army have been custodians of good
has ever produced. behaviour and let’s keep it that way and
It has been a privilege for me to be be the best supporters, especially as it
a Scotland supporter, as that wee looks like we’ve got a team and a set
boy with a hand knitted tammie and of players to match that. So onwards
tartan scarf that used to go with my and upwards for the tartan army and
grandfather and my father, to now go for Scotland”
with my own son, Felix. David was speaking with Iain Emerson
It’s been a privilege to be able to Visit davidtanner.tv
go at these games as a fan, but to

231



“Scottish Football

needs to open the door

and let progress in.”

Henry McLeish March 2021

Join YOUR only independent national body
of fans today and lets
#GetTheBallRolling
By fans, for fans.

The Scottish Football Supporters Association.
76,000 members strong

and working for fans every day.
Sign up for FREE at:

www.scottishfsa.org/reclaimthegame/