'Ned' Doig.

From 15 years old 'Ned' began to take his football seriously.      He joined the 2nd Forfar (Angus) Company of the Rifle Volunteer Corps, played in the band and became proficient on many wind instruments, his favourite tune being "The Standard on the Braes of Marr^"10.

'Ned' began playing football for St Helena, a junior club, on the "common" in the right wing position.     He was friendly with the Petrie family who had a fishing trawler in the town.     From them he acquired three beams which he fixed as a goalmouth. Suspending a ball from the crossbeam, he taught himself to punch a ball from any angle until he excelled at the skill.     He could punch a ball so hard that it would swing twice over the bar- others could do this only once.     Using two dumbbells¹³ which he had made at the local foundry, he trained by placing them at the foot of each post and using alternate arm would dash across the goal, swinging a dumbbell high, repeating with the other arm.     With this exercise, he built up strength, agility and fleetness of foot.

He could place his team-mates around the field and punch a ball to their feet and his strength enabled him to send the ball over the halfway line.      It is said that this feat could only be done by one other player - William "Fatty" Foulke, the 6 foot 3 inch, 22 stone 'keeper of Sheffield United.     He found himself to be ambidextrous and could write with each hand and by his late teens was very proficient in goal and could fist a ball out with great force and accuracy using either arm.

As a youth 'Ned' was apprenticed as a baker; (his Mother was a confectioner).     It was at this time that Davina Bertie and young 'Ned' noticed each other. 'Ned' was not to remain in the bakery, as he had aspirations to enter the insurance business as an agent. However, events were to take a markedly dramatic turn.

On September 12th 1885, Arbroath Football Club made history by recording the biggest score in an official competition, beating Bon Accord of Aberdeen 36 : 0 in the Scottish Cup.    

This remains an all time record and reports of this game are given in "The Story of Arbroath Football Club (1947)"and the "Arbroath Guide" of Saturday September 19th 1885.                By February 1886, James Milne the goalkeeper who had given valiant service to the Club since its earliest days, stepped down in favour of 'Ned' Doig to fill this position, which in those days was the toughest job on a football pitch¹⁴.

At that time the Scottish Football League had not been formed and matches consisted of friendly games interspaced with cup games such as the Forfarshire Cup and the Scottish Cup. 'Ned's' youngest brother Robert, reminiscing to his son Aikman, recalls how he accompanied 'Ned' to an Arbroath match.     It transpired that Arbroath were without a goalkeeper. Someone in the crowd called out "let Ned Doig play" and this became his first game for the club.      It is possible that this was a second team game in 1884.      In 1895 a pen portrait in the Sunderland Daily Echo stated that he played for two seasons in Arbroath reserves which would be 1884-5 and 1885-6. By the 9th January 1886 it was recorded¹⁵ "At Arbroath a match was played on Gayfield between the first and second elevens.      A very fine game was witnessed between these teams. Doig, in goal, it may be mentioned was at this match under the observation of the Arbroath Committee and he played a splendid game".     The result was given as first eleven 5, second eleven 1, 'Ned' Doig played for the reserves. At this time he would be 19 years old and had been playing for a junior team - St. Helena¹⁶ of Arbroath on the "common" for a season before being recruited to Arbroath's second team, which then reached the semi - final of the Forfarshire Second Eleven Cup. By the time Milne stepped down 'Neds' capabilities and agility were well known.     There is a photograph in the boardroom at Arbroath F.C. showing eleven players and lists Doig as one of the three players that did not take part in the famous victory against Bon Accord.

It is known¹⁷ that 'Ned' appeared in at least five of the sixteen games played in the later half of the 1885-86 season.     An away match on 6th February, lost by 2:3 to Harp of Dundee was said to be his first appearance for the first team.      The match report stated "Not withstanding that a few players from each club were away at the Intercounty (game), good substitutes were found and readers will no doubt take note that this was the first appearance in the Arbroath 1st Eleven of 'Ned' Doig. 'Ned' Doig, goalkeeper - a player who came and turned out to be the Prince of Goalkeepers of our County".     The other games were on 13th March away to Strathmore (of Arbroath) which the club won by 5:1 :- "In an altered team Doig getting his chance to show his abilities" and further, on 15th May at home to Friockheim won by 4:2 reported "Doig for the second time (sic) played for the first eleven and gave a splendid exhibition of goalkeeping.     He played against Strathmore of Arbroath on 29th May losing 0:3. Finally at home to Harp of Dundee on 5th June won by 5:1 noted "The Maroons were rearranged and Doig was introduced into goal and he proved his worth for the Maroons.     His skilful and dextrous movements being the talk of the match: this was the best match the Maroons played for a long time".

Prior to the beginning of the 1886-7 season the club held a four - a -side competition with seven teams entered. 'Ned' Doig had the fourth team and were beaten in the first round by 0:3.     Now, with 'Ned' as first choice in goal, Arbroath, following an away defeat by Forfar Athletic, opened their home programme with a visit by the illustrious Preston North End.     Although the 'Maroons' were beaten 2:6 the "Arbroath Guide" reported that "Doig repulsed a goal attempt, a splendid piece of goalkeeping. When Doig was left alone to defend a break, he secured the ball and threw it out for the best piece of goalkeeping in the game. Doig performed marvels but let in a soft one".     Arbroath were again to record a big victory in the first round of the Scottish Cup, this time against Orion of Aberdeen on 11th September, the score being 20:0. Doig had a splendid game against Strathmore (Dundee) in the first round of the Forfarshire Cup on the 18th September although losing the game by 2:4.     A draw of 1:1 at Glasgow Thistle on Thursday 7th October noted that Doig was repeatedly cheered for smart play.     At home to Forfar Athletic on 23rd October which was drawn 4:4, "Doig kept out some grand shots and it was partly due to his splendid goalkeeping that Arbroath avoided a heavy defeat".     In another 4:4 draw against Our Boys at Dundee Doig saved a goal in a brilliant manner.      In a later cup tie for Arbroath, 'Ned' took the ball off the foot of the Scottish Captain who said "If you can do that to me, it won't be long before you play for your country"¹⁰. 'Ned' Doig took part in International trial matches in Glasgow, to play against England.      The Selection Committee split the votes 6 to 6 for Gillespie of Queens Park and Doig, before the Chairman cast his vote in favour of George Gillespie¹⁸.     However he was soon to make a reputation for himself that spread far beyond the borders of Scotland.      Following a home friendly game versus Wanderers of Dundee on 29th January 1887 it was recorded¹⁷ "Notice has just arrived that Doig, who only started last season, has International Honours.      This is a splendid honour to 'Ned' who, speaking personally, is a very modest young person. Doig receives his International Cap with as much coolness as he is between the posts. 'Ned' has been appointed Goalkeeper against Ireland and also for two matches arranged by the Forfarshire Association.     This honour brings credit to the "Red Lichties" also to the player who well deserves this distinction because his displays between the posts mark him out as a bright future in front of him". The 'Arbroath Herald' of 3rd February also recorded "The Scottish F. A. have honoured Forfarshire by selecting Doig, the Arbroath 'keeper to be Scotland's custodian in the international versus Ireland to be played in Glasgow on 19th February.      This is the first time any northern player has received International honours and it is not a little to the credit of our town that the distinction should have been gained by an Arbroathian.     Mr Doig has made rapid progress as only last season he was goalkeeper to the second eleven of the local premier team but he has proved himself to be a thoroughly reliable player and we heartily congratulate him on being called upon to occupy so proud a position in the football world".     The 'Arbroath Guide' two days later added that Doig's popularity had increased with every match since his promotion to the first eleven and said " there cannot be a doubt that the appearance of Doig's name in an International team is due in a large measure to the brilliant work he performed during the recent holiday matches as having some of the best forwards in Scotland gave him the opportunity of displaying his grand powers".

On February 19th 1887 he took his place in goal for his country versus Ireland at Glasgow. Scotland won 4:1, but a much improved Irish side equalised Frank Watts early goal with a strike by Browne.   Scotland regained the lead just before half time through Jenkinson and were relieved to score two more in the second half the scorers being Johnstone and Lowe. Scotland took the International Championship that season with six points (three wins).

Doig played in his first game for Forfarshire when they travelled to Glasgow to play against Glasgow North Eastern Association on Christmas Day 1886. His second game against Ayrshire at Harp's gound, Dundee, Forfarshire were beaten 3:5.      On 16th April, - Forfarshire v Stirlingshire at Merchison Park, Falkirk, was also lost by 2:3.     He was also selected as reserve 'keeper against Perthshire for Saturday May 7th but it is not known whether he travelled or played in this game.

It was the custom at that time for a benefit game on behalf of "The Fishermen's Fund for Widows and Children" to be played at Gayfield .      This took place on Saturday 23rd April between Arbroath F. C.'s 'Ancients' and 'Moderns' and Doig took his place in the 'moderns' who won 6:1 following a half time lead of 2:0.

It is clear from match reports that 'Ned' Doig was reaching a peak in his Arbroath career.     At home to Forfar Athletic on April 30th 1887 the 'Herald' stated "Doig was admirable.     Keenness of eye and deftness of both hand and foot were very marked in his play and although he had a lot of work, played with a masterly coolness throughout".     And a few days later versus Harp of Dundee away "We daresay Doig, often experiencing some of the brutal charges of forwards who rushed furiously at him several times, full five seconds after he had sent the ball half up the field, will prey to be delivered in future from such friendly encounters".     In the last game of the official season at home to a Lancashire team, Halliwell on Friday June 3rd "Doig played dextrously as is his wont.     Two most dangerous shots were returned with admirable smartness and he played with splendid confidence and precision".

As part of the general celebrations and events to mark Queen Victoria's Jubilee a football game was played at Gayfield Park with Our Boys (Dundee) providing the opposition.     The date of this game was Thursday 23rd June 1887 and the home team was :- Doig; Collie, Campbell; Rennie, Milne, Sim; Petrie, Leslie, S. Buick, Crawford and J. Buick.     Handsome silver medals were provided to the Arbroath players, the winners by 4 : 2.     It may be that this medal was the first of many to be awarded to 'Ned' Doig.     It is not known whether medals were given in recognition of County appearances.

Besides the four cup games Doig is known to have played in at least 33 of the 42 friendly games played in the season and with the four representative games his total is at least 39 matches.

Scottish Cup results :- 11. 9.1886 Home to Orion (Aberdeen) won 20:0 1st round

2.10.1886 Away to Forfar Athletic won 5:2 2nd round

13.11.1886 Away to Queen of the South Lost 2:8 3rd round

Forfarshire Cup result :-18. 9.1886 Away to Strathmore (Dundee) lost 2:4 1st round

Annual Arbroath sports took place on Saturday 13th August 1887. 'Ned' Doig won the high jump with a leap of 4'11", in the 300yard sprint he came third whilst in the mile handicap race he was placed second from a four yard start.

The next season, Arbroath again met Orion in the first round of the Scottish Cup, this time recording an 18:0 victory on 3rd September 1887.      Strathmore of Dundee were beaten in the next round on September 24th, S. Buick scoring a hat-trick for a 3:1 victory.     A long and difficult trip to Oban was rewarded with a 5-1 win on October 15th in the third round and secured a bye for the club in the fourth round.     Arbroath eventually reached the sixth round by beating Cowlairs by 5:1 on 26th November, before losing to Abercorn (in Paisley) on 17th December by 1:3.    On Christmas Eve Doig took his place in goal for Forfarshire versus Stirlingshire at Dundee and the game was duly won by his County 4:1.        The Christmas and New Year holiday programme arranged by the Club Secretary followed a similar pattern to previous seasons with a series of home fixtures.      Saturday December 31st, Airdrieonians visited and were beaten by 4:2; Monday January 2nd 1888, Dumbarton who beat Arbroath 2:3 after the 'Maroons' had held a half time lead of 2:1.     The next day, Vale of Leven were vanquished 5:4, whilst on the Wednesday Greenock Morton were to triumph by a similar score 4:5. Of the Dumbarton game 'The Arbroath Guide' had to say "The feature of the game was the brilliant play by Doig.     Every conceivable shot had to be negotiated and the marvellous display of his powers is the explanation of Dumbarton only winning by 2:3.    On Saturday February 4th 1888 Doig again represented his county in a match against Ayrshire at Ayr.

The Forfarshire Cup opened with a home victory over the 3rd F.R.V. (?Forfarshire Royal Volunteers) by 13:0.     A further big win, this time 12:0 was recorded when Our Boys were beaten at Dundee. In the semi-final, played at Gayfield, Wanderers of Dundee were vanquished 6:1.    A thousand spectators travelled from Arbroath to see the Forfarshire Cup Final which was held at East Dock Street, Dundee on 12th November 1887. Matt Dickson who played centre forward for Strathmore was a great opponent of Doig.     The bouts between these two were always a feature of football. Doig, being a very keen athlete, always had the better of Dickson. Following a half-time score of 6:1, Arbroath ran off easy winners by 10:2.      The Artillery band played at the homecoming of the team, the tune being "See the conquering heroes come" through the town up to the Corn Exchange.

In the newly instituted District Charity Cup, big home wins were recorded over Lindertis of Kirriemuir 13:3 and 9:1 over Brechin before losing in the final to Forfar Athletic on neutral ground by 2:3

When the season finished in 1888 the Club had won the Forfarshire Challenge Cup and were the District Charity Cup finalists and 'Ned' Doig was looked upon as the greatest goalkeeper ever reared in the east of Scotland and even by 1947 many older followers of the game aver that his equal has never been found in the ranks of any club in the east¹⁶.

Scottish Cup results :-

3. 9.1887 H Orion (Aberdeen) won 18:0 1st round

24. 9.1887 Strathmore (Dundee) won 3:1 2nd round

15.10.1887 A Oban won 5:1 3rd round

Bye. 4th round

26.11.1887 H Cowlairs won 5:1 5th round

17.12.1887 A Abercorn lost 1:3 6th round

Forfarshire Cup results :-

10. 9.1887 A 3rd F.R.V. won 13:0 1st round

1.10.1887 A Our Boys (Dundee) won 12:0 2nd round

22.10.1887 H Wanderers (Dundee) won 6:1 semi-final

12.11.1887 N Strathmore (Dundee) won 10:2 Final

District Charity Cup results :-

10. 3.1888 H Lindertis (Kirriemuir) won 13:3 1st round

31. 3.1888 H Brechin won 6:1 semi-final

21. 4.1888 N Forfar Athletic lost 2:4 Final

Summary of the 1887 - 1888 season :-

Played 42; won 32; drawn 0; lost 10; goals for 262; against 80.

(Note As recorded in "History of Arbroath)

On 11th August 1888, Annual Sports were held at Gayfield Park. 'Ned'' Doig took part in several events.:-

Open 1/4 mile handicap. Result - Doig second. (Doig on scratch gave 2 or 4 yards to others.)

Club 300 yards. Result - Doig first.

Skipping rope race. Result - Doig first.

Obstacle race. Result - Doig second.

Hop, step and leap. Result - Doig first with a distance of 39' 7". Second place only managed 37'. (Note that in the 1896 Olympic games third place only achieved 41'1".)

Place kick competition. Result - Doig third place with 50 yards 2' 4". It would be interesting to find the rules of this event.

Season 1888-9 was another outstanding one for Arbroath, repeating their feat of last year of winning the Forfarshire Challenge Cup adding to the win of 1883-4 and also gaining the District Charity Cup.     A copy of a photograph exists of the team and officials displaying these trophies.     In the Scottish Cup, Arbroath again progressed to the fifth round, winning at Aberdeen 4:3 in the first round, beating Montrose at home by 6:2 in the second round on 22nd September, Forfar Athletic away on 13th October by 3:1, Fair City (of Perth) away by 3:1 on 3rd November before meeting the very strong Renton side on 24th November at Gayfield.      Arbroath were unfortunate not to win in a hard fought 3:3 draw in which Skae the Arbroath inside forward was badly injured when he rushed Lindsey, the giant Renton goalkeeper, crashing against a post when the 'keeper eluded him.      Doig was reported as giving a masterly display; as a leading Scottish official put it "was as nimble as a cat."

A very young cub reporter for the Arbroath Herald who covered this game as his first senior match recollecting many years later as "A Red Lichtie looks back"¹⁷ was very anxious to go to the replay at Renton (Dumbartonshire).     The editor of the Herald, Mr. J. B. Salmond, promised to let the young lad go with the Arbroath party if someone would look after him.     Mr. Salmond called upon Doig at the Alma Works on the Monday and 'Ned' promised to look after him and see him safely restored to his parents.     Accordingly the party arrived in Renton a little before 2 pm. on 1st December and it was pouring "cats and dogs".      Doig had a giant umbrella and as there was no shelter loaned it to the young reporter. "Just one word I want to say" remarked Doig as he entered the stripping hut "Don't open your mouth to show you're an Arbroathian". "Why ?" the reporter asked "I am proud of my town". "That may be so, young spark" 'Ned' warned him "but they are wild men in Renton and you mustn't show favour for Arbroath".     How true his words of warning were.     In the first half Doig was marvellous in goal, turning aside raid after raid, fairly putting the Renton supporters in a frenzy, and one moment in particular met a rushing forward and bundled him into the back of the goal whilst he fisted clear the ball with his famous left hand. "Boo,boo, dirty Doig" shouted the hundreds of frenzied Rentonians, but Doig was equal to all occasions and kept a cool head.     The young reporter didn't however and he turned to a wild looking Renton partisan and said "Who's a dirty Doig" to get the reply "Young lad, if you open your mouth again I'll chew you up".     When this was told to Doig at half time he told the lad off. Renton played Arbroath off their feet in the second half and won easily by 0:4 at the end.

It was a sad homecoming for the reporter but not for the team who had a sing-song and were encouraged by the club officials to "forget about it -there's better days in store" and the cub reporter was "delivered home safely" with the feeling that he had seen play two of Scotland's greatest teams.      In the previous season Renton had been declared unofficial British Champions by beating West Bromwich Albion 2:0 in a match between the Cup holders of the two Football Associations.

Following the Renton games, a letter in the press expressed the opinion that Doig should be chosen as goalkeeper for the International, as he is without doubt the best goalkeeper on view¹⁷. The writer, Mr Clark Simpson of Broughty Ferry opined "May I draw your attention to the claims of Doig. He is as good a goalkeeper as Scotland have at the present day. I have seen Swepstone, Macauley etc. and non excel Doig. The team is picked at Glasgow and is generally from that quarter".

February 1889 was a busy month for 'Ned' Doig. On 2nd February Doig and Petrie were playing in an Intercounty match at Falkirk versus Stirlingshire which was won easily by 7:4 after a half time lead of 3:2 whilst Arbroath lost heavily to Harp of Dundee at Gayfield by 3:7 thus proving Doig's value. Doig was chosen to play an International trial match at Ibrox Park, Glasgow on 16th February; great interest being shown by the mainly Glasgow crowd anxious to see Doig play.     He was chosen for a 'C' team to play a 'D' side.     After the teams entered he arena there was speculation amongst the crowd as Doig ran off again but he returned moments later with a pair of brown gloves.     During the game a swift shot was sent in and Doig punted it downfield to a hum of approval.     To another shot, secured with his left arm and with a sweep it was sent down again, to the amusement of the crowd who were not used to this style.     A cheer went up when the save was repeated later. The 'C' team won 10:3.      He also represented Forfarshire in a game against Lanarkshire at Airdrie on 23rd February which his side won by 6:5.

'Ned' enhanced his personal reputation by gaining his second International cap on 9th March 1889, again against Ireland at Glasgow.      The Scottish team was selected on the principle of encouraging provincial talent and wider representation.     This team was still good enough to score seven times and leave Doig a virtual spectator.      The scorers for this game were Watt, McInnes(2), Black and Groves(3). Scotland won the International Championship with five points.

Forfarshire Cup results :-

20.10.1888 Away to Strathmore won 5:3 1st. round

17.11.1888 Home to Our Boys (Dundee) won 4:2 2nd round

12.01.1889 Neutral ground v. East End (Dundee) won 2:1 Final

District Charity Cup results:-

2. 3.1889 Home to Coupar Angus won 10:0 1st. round

16. 3.1889 Home to Lindertis (Kirriemuir) won 9:1 Semi-final

20. 4.1889 Neutral ground v. Montrose won 6:1 Final

The results of all Arbroath's matches for 1888 -9 were recorded as follows :-

P 39; W 27; D 4; L 8; goals for 200; against 94.

The annual benefit game for 'The Fishermen's Widows and Children' was played at Gayfield on Monday 20th May with Doig in goal for the Arbroath 'Moderns' v 'Ancients' in which the Moderns were held to a 3:3 draw following a lead of 3:0 at half time. To conclude the season, Doig, O'Kane and Salmond of Arbroath were chosen to appear for Forfarshire against an all Scotland Eleven at East Dock Street, Dundee on 25th May and the Forfar side triumphed by 3:1.     A feature of the match was "Doig's grand play".

There is a photograph in the family showing 'Ned' with his friend William Matthew among a group of workers in a factory yard with large gates behind them. 'Ned' and 'Will' are wearing his International caps so the date must have been 1889 or later.     At this time 'Ned' was working as a lapper at Frances Websters flax, linen and canvas factory in Arbroath.     The main factory buildings were demolished in the 1990's but in 1994 the Alma building and gates remained.

Among Arbroath players who were reared at Gayfield Park and who subsequently gained International Honours, 'Ned' Doig stands out prominently as the only player to win caps whilst actually playing for Arbroath F.C. - a record that still stands in 1995.    An undated newspaper cutting recalls crack teams of Scotland and states that "Arbroath, when the great and matchless 'Teddy' Doig (of Sunderland) kept their citadel, with the brothers Salmond and such players as Petrie, Gowans etc. who won fame as footballers - were a stiff nut to crack among County teams".

From September 1889 to early November Doig played in 10 or 11 games for Arbroath but at a match on 16th November McNicholl took his place as it was noted that he was away at Blackburn on business.     The strong rumour was that he was playing a professional game in England and this, being later confirmed, displeased the Arbroath Committee and he was not considered again.     It was recorded in the Arbroath Herald that November 9th was his last game for the club.

Doig's grand play had attracted the attention of prominent clubs all over the country and many were the inducements offered him to leave Arbroath.      He went south to play for Blackburn Rovers and on the 16th November 1889 played his first and only game for this club, the match at home to Notts County was won by 9 : 1 in front of a 6,000 crowd.     The offer made to him is not known, but a story told by Stanley, his son, relates that he was expecting a telegram offering a post as an insurance agent in the Forfar District.      When the game was over he was given the telegram and found that the club had delayed handing it over for several hours.     This annoyed him so much that he left, refusing to play for Blackburn Rovers again, and he took up the insurance post¹⁰.      A report in the Blackburn Times remarked that "'Ned' Doig made a favourable impression on the spectators on his debut for the club" and "his duties were very light but they were smartly performed.      It was hoped that Doig would sign for the Rovers but unfortunately he chose to return to his native Scotland"            

As he was now 23 and in gainful employment, marriage was contemplated and so in 1890 a document states²⁰ :- "Proclamation of Marriage between John Edward Doig. Insurance Agent, 38, Helen Street, Arbroath and Davidina* Bertie, 1 Princes Street, Arbroath, has been duly made in Ladyloan Church and is unchallenged. Arbroath 2nd September 1890" and this is signed by the clerk for the proclamation of Banns. * Note the variation in the spelling of Davina.

Copy of the Marriage Bans held by Grandson J.ohn A.  Doig

However, in less than two weeks after his marriage, an offer came up that persuaded him to turn professional as a footballer and once again Doig crossed over the border, this time with his young bride, to join a team that was soon to be referred to as "The Team Of All The Talents".

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