CHAMPIONSHIP DINNER (10/11/06)
It was a time to say thanks for the memories, a time to reminisce about the good old days, both of which were achieved at the Kings Arms, Berwick on Sat 21 October when supporters of all ages paid homage to the players who gave us our only national league title.
Fans of all ages some of whom had not been born when the Championship flag was hoisted at Shielfield arrived to pay respect to the returning heroes some of whom had not seen each other in over twenty years and all were eager to enjoy the occasion.
Fifteen players had been persuaded to travel to Berwick for the event, some travelling from far a field like Dave Smith coming down from Aberdeen, Kenny Rutherford up from Luton and Roy McDowell flying in from Spain just to make the event all of whom had been tracked down by Eric Tait.
No matter where the players had travelled form all were here to enjoy themselves and in Willie Young we had a speaker of the highest order.
Willie who had officiated as a referee at the highest level for twenty years recalled tales not just about the stars of the modern game he also recalled occasions involving Berwick, including admitting for the first time that the penalty to Falkirk in 1997 never was!
To be there for that moment was worth it alone as we could then dream of what might have been as Falkirk were beaten by Kilmarnock in the final that year.
With the alcohol now in full flow it was then left to the players to take the stand to give us an insight into that season, understandably they were nervous about it and only one or two recalled tales.
To mark the occasion Dave Smith and Eric Tait were presented with framed Berwick tops stating their achievement. Dave was awarded his for being the Berwick player of the millennium, Eric for making the most appearances and also being the top goal scorer in history.
All in all it was fantastic evening and the organisers, particularly Paul Smith whose creative genius ensured the nostalgia continued through the night with placemats, menu, music and a running montage of photos and news clippings all depicting the wonderful season that was 1978/79. |