A LETTER FROM DAVIE LAURIE

LETTER OF THANKS FROM DL

I was so taken aback by the events on the Star's 10th Anniversary celebrations, that I probably did not say a lot of things I should have said at Green's Bar in the evening, so I thought I might say some of them now, as May the 18th was certainly one of those never to be forgotten days.

From the very start of the day and with that very competitive football match ! Someone said it was only going to be a friendly match but you could never really classify it as a friendly as in Clark Adam's words, he does not play friendlies, as I'm sure Debo and Andy J will testify !

I do not think i have ever seen a player look so glum after scoring a goal but perhaps the crunching tackle that Andy Glover sustained, had something to do with it ! I still cannot believe that Russ chipped Budgie ( all 6 foot 4 of him ) from 45 yards. Perhaps the final scoreline flattered our team but thats football.

Who will ever forget the constant reminders given to Andy J. doubting his ability to consume large amounts of alcohol or Nezi conducting the choir on their rendition of a French tune describing a less than perfect lady on the bus back from Southerness.

I do not think I have ever came across a "bunch of folk" as those who are associated with Dynamo Star and my sincere thanks go to Wayne and his staff at Green's Bar. To Alan Houliston and to the players officials and supporters, who make the club something special.

My congratulations go to Dynamo Star and Grant Ireland on reaching their 10th Anniversary, Chris Craik for finishing top goalscorer, John MacInally for winning the man of the Anniversary match, and to Chex on retaining player of the year award and who also made some very nice comments about yours truly, even suggesting that I should have been player of the year, thank for those very kind words Kevin, which made me feel quite humble and were very much appreciated but it is only fitting that the award goes to someone who shows the most skill and commitment, not sentiment and you are a more than worthy winner. Who would bet against him winning it again next season ? Thanks also to Budgie for those kind words in the Standard newspaper. My congratulations also go to the team manager Russ, for the outstanding job he does and which I'm sure everyone will agree, can often be a thankless task!

Thank you kindly for the awards i received, To receive the retirement trophy was brilliant and then the frramed football shirt, was absoloutly fantastic! When I look back over my seven seasons with the Star, I will remember many special moments, as well as the Anniversary match too many to mention. High points include winning the Second Division League Championship at Jocks Loaning on the last game, in 1998. Scoring with an overhead kick against Chris Woods of the Globetrotters and a Scottish amateur International goalkeeper. Scoring against Dynamo Crown a few weeks after my 51st Birthday although I was standing on the goal line when I headed the ball in. There were also a couple of lows and embarassing moments last season when i brought shame onto the club, getting myself sent of for the first time in my career and worse still having to pay the fine myself !

Another bad moment was scoring an own goal for the Queensberry at Glentrool, from forty five yards past Grant who had come off his line. This gave them the lead but fortunately we bounced back to beat them.

I have had the honour and privilege of playing with many superb players and i would say that Clark Adams has been the most skillful i have probably played along with at the Star. Neil Williamson and Simon Clingan were probably my most difficult opponents and Davie Prisic is up along with " the best referees and moners" I have ever come across.

Getting back to events of that Saturday evening in Green's and to borrow a well known phrase from a person I admire, although wayne and fellow Scouse supporters will disagree .I was "vewy pwoud" when the lads started singing "there's only one Davie Laurie". My youngest son Sandy even told me they were singing it in the early hours of Sunday morning   and I wasn't even there. What can i say ! superb ! Different Gravy !

Despite repeated requests on that same evening for one more season and even at the risk of disappointing my many admirers !!!!!!!!!!!!! I have definitely decided to retire from outdoor competitive Sunday football. I do not feel sad about retiring, I mean I had to go sometime, probably should have gone years ago, but when you enjoy something  Why Stop!!!!

GOOD LUCK AND BEST WISHES IN THE FUTURE AND THANKING YOU ALL

DAVIE LAURIE

EX DYNAMO STAR AFC PLAYER BUT SUPPORTER FOR EVER.