Tag: Football Memories

Scotland’s Greatest XI revealed as Specsavers-backed Football Memories tour wraps up in Motherwell

As Scotland prepares for its first FIFA Men’s World Cup appearance in 28 years, Specsavers and Football Memories have unveiled Scotland’s Greatest XI, a team selected by participants from nearly 600 Football Memories groups across the country.

The players, chosen by those who have lived through their careers and watched them in action, represent the best of Scottish football from 1945 to 1998.

The Motherwell Football Memories group hosted its first-ever session at Fir Park, marking a key milestone for the project. Former Scotland captain Gary McAllister returned to his hometown to reveal the Greatest XI. His involvement added a personal touch to the occasion, making the event even more special for attendees.

The initiative, which supports people living with memory loss conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, as well as those experiencing loneliness and social isolation, brings together group members from all over Scotland. It celebrates the nations footballing history and connects individuals through their shared love of the game.

Sir Kenny Dalglish, Scotland’s legendary forward, received the most votes and was named Scotland’s greatest-ever player, taking the captaincy of the team. The full team includes:

  • Starting XI: Andy Goram (GK), Danny McGrain, Alex McLeish, Willie Miller, Tommy Gemmell, Jimmy Johnstone, Graeme Souness, Billy Bremner, Davie Cooper, Sir Kenny Dalglish (C), and Denis Law.
  • Bench: Jim Leighton (GK), Billy McNeill, Maurice Malpas, Paul McStay, Dave Mackay, Jim Baxter, and Ally McCoist.

Gary McAllister, one of 60 shortlisted players, shared his excitement: ‘It was an absolute privilege to be a part of the first Football Memories session at Fir Park.

“Coming back to my hometown of Motherwell brought back so many great memories. The ‘Greatest XI’ chosen by the participants truly represents the talent that has shaped Scottish football, and it was incredible to see so many passionate fans reflect on these legends.’

For the third season in a row, the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, Specsavers, has facilitated the Football Memories project by enabling football legends and retired referees to speak with the participants, helping to spark cherished memories and connect people through the shared love of football.

The Specsavers-supported tour, which has visited Inverness, Arbroath, Paisley, Ayr, and concluded in Motherwell, gave participants the chance to meet football legends and former referees. At Fir Park, alongside ex-Scotland midfielder Gary McAllister, Donald McVicar, one of Scotland’s most respected referees, shared stories from his remarkable career, offering an unforgettable experience for the group.

Donald spent 25 years as a referee, taking charge of hundreds of matches between 1969 and 1994, and later served as the Scottish FA’s Head of Referee Development before retiring at 65.

Donald’s final match was the 1994 Scottish Cup Final, where he served as an assistant referee. He has also since worked as a referee observer for FIFA and UEFA.

The 82-year-old said: ‘It was a delight to join Gary and speak to the group at Fir Park, a football ground with real significance in my career, given its proximity to where I grew up. It was great to share memories with their brand-new Football Memories group.

‘Football has an incredible power to connect people, no matter their age or background, and being part of this tour with Specsavers shows how important these sessions are for those living with memory loss. With Scotland heading into a big summer, it’s a brilliant time to look back on the game and forward to what is ahead.’

Specsavers supported the memory boxes for the referee tour and helped add exciting new memorabilia, including vintage football boots and match-day programmes, to support group discussions. Long-term memories were often reawakened through these visual cues, unlocking cherished moments from the past.

Robert Craig, Chair of the Scottish Football Museum, said: ‘It was wonderful to welcome both Gary and Donald to Motherwell as the tour continues to demonstrate the real impact Football Memories has across Scotland.

“The stories from their extraordinary careers were hugely enjoyed, and Specsavers’ continued support is invaluable in allowing us to deliver these sessions for people living with memory loss or isolation.’

Laura Baird, Scotland Divisional Chair for Specsavers, added: ‘Specsavers is proud to continue supporting Football Memories for a third season and to help bring these special moments to communities across Scotland.

‘We wish the national team the very best of luck Stateside this summer.’

Specsavers renewed its sponsorship deal with the Scottish FA in 2024, becoming the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner and extending one of the longest partnerships in sport. The agreement runs through to 2028 and includes continued support for referee training and development, as well as raising awareness of grassroots and local football across the country.

NAE SUPER JOHN McGINN? JOHN GREIG? – Ed.

Former referee recounts career at Edinburgh Football Memories group as Specsavers tour hits capital

PARTICIPANTS of an Edinburgh Football Memories group enjoyed a visit from former referee Martin Clark as a Specsavers-sponsored whistle-stop tour of Scotland reached the capital.  

The official sponsors of the Scottish FA match officials have facilitated for retired refs to speak to participants of Football Memories, a project which assists people living with memory loss conditions, including dementia and Alzheimer’s, as well as those experiencing loneliness and social isolation. 

The tour will also stop in at Dundee and Aberdeen. Ex-whistler Dougie Hope got proceedings under way at Hampden Park on January 25, before Martin entertained the group at Hibernian FC’s Easter Road Stadium with tales from his career. 

Established in 2009, Football Memories Scotland is a charitable project run by the Scottish Football Museum in partnership with Alzheimer Scotland. 

With 500 groups around the country, often hosted in football settings, Football Memories uses engaging football-themed resources stored in a memory box, such as reminiscence cards, life-size player cutouts, newspaper clippings and books, to stir memories and discussions led by volunteers. 

Specsavers have sponsored the boxes for the referee tour and have helped to provide some exciting new contents for them such as old football boots, photographs of former referees and other memorabilia. 

Long-term memories can be triggered for many through the visual cues of images, videos, artefacts and discussions taking place in a small group or even a one-to-one setting, unlocking precious happy moments from the past. The impact can be enormous. 

Robert Craig, Chair of the Scottish Football Museum, says: ‘We were delighted to welcome Martin to the group as our new partnership with Specsavers continued to demonstrate its power. 

‘Their support to the Football Memories project, which impacts the lives of all who touch it, is invaluable and helps us to continue to deliver for those living with memory loss conditions or experiencing isolation.’ 

Crawford Allan, Scottish FA Head of Referee Operations, says: ‘Football Memories is a fantastic initiative and one our roster of former referees will gladly support, as an extension of our existing partnership with Specsavers. 

‘We hope their stories and treasured memorabilia will spark many happy memories.’ 

Specsavers’ Arlene Stephenson, Scottish Divisional Chair, says: ‘Specsavers is proud of our long tradition in backing Scottish referees, but our latest sponsorship deal sees us going further than ever, helping to raise awareness of the vital work Football Memories does in assisting people living with memory loss conditions. 

‘We can’t wait to hear what questions the referees are fielded on their tour of the country and learn about the impact for those attending the groups.’ 

Specsavers announced in 2021 that it renewed its’ sponsorship deal with football referees in Scotland, marking more than 20 years of support – one of the longest agreements of its kind in sport. 

The deal has seen the partnership continue into 2024, not only helping with the training and development of referees, but also helping to raise awareness of para football and grassroots football in Scotland. 

Former ref Martin Clark to speak at Hibs Football Memories group as Specsavers-sponsored tour hits capital

Participants of a Football Memories group in Edinburgh will get the chance to hear from former referee Martin Clark as Specsavers’ whistle-stop tour reaches the capital. 

The official sponsors of the Scottish FA match officials have facilitated for retired refs to speak to participants of Football Memories, a project which assists people living with memory loss conditions, including dementia and Alzheimer’s, as well as those experiencing loneliness and social isolation. 

Martin, from Edinburgh, refereed over 300 top-flight games in Scotland and will recount his career, which spanned 1976-2000 to the group at Hibernian’s Easter Road on February 19. 

The tour kicked off last month in Glasgow, as ex-whistler Dougie Hope got things under way at Hampden Park. 

John Rowbotham will talk to the Dundee group in March, while Mike Pocock will host the Aberdeen participants at April’s meeting. 

Established in 2009, Football Memories Scotland is a charitable project run by the Scottish Football Museum in partnership with Alzheimer Scotland. 

With 500 groups around the country, often hosted in football settings, Football Memories uses engaging football-themed resources stored in a memory box, such as reminiscence cards, life-size player cutouts, newspaper clippings and books, to stir memories and discussions led by volunteers. 

Specsavers have sponsored the boxes for the referee tour and have helped to provide some exciting new contents for them such as old football boots, photographs of former referees and other memorabilia. 

Long-term memories can be triggered for many through the visual cues of images, videos, artefacts and discussions taking place in a small group or even a one-to-one setting, unlocking precious happy moments from the past.

The impact can be enormous. 

Robert Craig, Chair of the Scottish Football Museum, says: ‘After a hugely successful first event with Specsavers at Hampden Park, we are delighted to be on the road and visiting one of our groups in Edinburgh. 

‘Their support to the Football Memories project, which impacts the lives of all who touch it, is invaluable and helps us to continue to deliver for those living with memory loss conditions or experiencing isolation. 

Crawford Allan, Scottish FA Head of Referee Operations, says: ‘Football Memories is a fantastic initiative and one our roster of former referees will gladly support, as an extension of our existing partnership with Specsavers. 

‘We are sure their stories and treasured memorabilia will spark many happy memories.’ 

Specsavers’ Arlene Stephenson, Scottish Divisional Chair, says: ‘Specsavers is proud of our long tradition in backing Scottish referees, but our latest sponsorship deal sees us going further than ever, helping to raise awareness of the vital work Football Memories does in assisting people living with memory loss conditions. 

‘We can’t wait to hear what questions the referees are fielded on their tour of the country and learn about the impact for those attending the groups.’ 

For those keen to attend the Easter Road group on February 19 at 10.45am, please register your interest via email here: tomwright.1972@btopenworld.com.

You have until 11:59pm, Thursday 15 February to do so.

Space is limited and attendees will be allocated and informed by Hibs Football Memories in advance of the group. 

Specsavers announced in 2021 that it renewed its’ sponsorship deal with football referees in Scotland, marking over 20 years of support – one of the longest agreements of its kind in sport. 

The deal has seen the partnership continue into 2024, not only helping with the training and development of referees, but also helping to raise awareness of para football and grassroots football in Scotland.