Archie White Posted June 5, 2008 Share Posted June 5, 2008 Tonight, as part of Leith Festival, it was billed as a talk on Mike Buckle's book, Hearts Greatest Ever Season 1957-58 - but Mike, ever the gentleman, took a back seat as it instead became an Audience With The Golden Vision. Well prompted by Scott Wilson who chaired the proceedings, after an understandably nervous first few words in front of the mike from Alex, he settled into the proceedings and lifted the lid on some fantastic stories from Hearts greatest era. How the 57/8 players just went out and steamrollered the opposition; how Mackay feared no-one and was their driving force against the old firm especially; how Johnny Harvey was the man manager behind the scenes and would rough him up in the toilets before big games to get Alex bouncing onto the pitch; how the players reacted to Tommy Walker's request for an "old time sing-song" on the team bus away trips by throwing paper balls at his head; how he scored 4 goals and not the 3 as given against the Hibs on New Years Day 1960; his thoughts on the current team; how he never wanted to leave Tynecastle; Harry Catterick's dislike of Scots; the "goodwill" he felt from the terraces that helped motivate him; his disappointment that he never had the opportunity to become the coach he wanted to be... What a great treasure trove of memories from a golden (and lost) era by a true Legend - and a lovely man. His autobiography due out soon should be a terrific read. ...and I got my photae taken with him too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
droid Posted June 5, 2008 Share Posted June 5, 2008 Tonight, as part of Leith Festival, it was billed as a talk on Mike Buckle's book, Hearts Greatest Ever Season 1957-58 - but Mike, ever the gentleman, took a back seat as it instead became an Audience With The Golden Vision. Well prompted by Scott Wilson who chaired the proceedings, after an understandably nervous first few words in front of the mike from Alex, he settled into the proceedings and lifted the lid on some fantastic stories from Hearts greatest era. How the 57/8 players just went out and steamrollered the opposition; how Mackay feared no-one and was their driving force against the old firm especially; how Johnny Harvey was the man manager behind the scenes and would rough him up in the toilets before big games to get Alex bouncing onto the pitch; how the players reacted to Tommy Walker's request for an "old time sing-song" on the team bus away trips by throwing paper balls at his head; how he scored 4 goals and not the 3 as given against the Hibs on New Years Day 1960; his thoughts on the current team; how he never wanted to leave Tynecastle; Harry Catterick's dislike of Scots; the "goodwill" he felt from the terraces that helped motivate him; his disappointment that he never had the opportunity to become the coach he wanted to be... What a great treasure trove of memories from a golden (and lost) era by a true Legend - and a lovely man. His autobiography due out soon should be a terrific read. ...and I got my photae taken with him too! wish i'd known about it, always nice to hear about those heady days from fearless hearts players who couldnt give a monkeys about the o.f. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Csaba's Broon Shoes Posted June 5, 2008 Share Posted June 5, 2008 It would be something special if the federation of Hearts supporters clubs could organise several nights of '' An Audence With '' ex Jambo Legends in the Gorgie Suite with proceeds going to Hearts Youth Development n Charity for sure they would be massive fund raisers and big money spinners not to mention the tales of the unexpected being revealed Young , Glidden , MacKay , etc etc I could name dozens more who helped to produce in the old Hampden roar . You must get the picture Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Bapswent Posted June 5, 2008 Share Posted June 5, 2008 Was an interesting night. Cracking to meet Alex Young. Top bloke. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart Lyon Posted June 6, 2008 Share Posted June 6, 2008 Wish I had been there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbos Right Peg Posted June 6, 2008 Share Posted June 6, 2008 Thanks to all that turned up also to Scott Wilson and Buffalo Bill for their contributons. Over a couple of glasses of wine Alex said how much he enjoyed the opportunity to 'have a wee blether' Absolute great guy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Bapswent Posted June 6, 2008 Share Posted June 6, 2008 Thanks to all that turned up also to Scott Wilson and Buffalo Bill for their contributons. Over a couple of glasses of wine Alex said how much he enjoyed the opportunity to 'have a wee blether' Absolute great guy What contribution? His blatant sales pitch? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbos Right Peg Posted June 6, 2008 Share Posted June 6, 2008 What contribution? His blatant sales pitch? He was very good at it though Might get him to publicise my next book Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Bapswent Posted June 6, 2008 Share Posted June 6, 2008 He was very good at it though Might get him to publicise my next book Ha Ha.. Black and White publishers you say............very good. Cheers for last night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Archie White Posted June 6, 2008 Author Share Posted June 6, 2008 He was very good at it though Might get him to publicise my next book Ah - so there IS going to be a "next book"! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordy Posted June 6, 2008 Share Posted June 6, 2008 I've had the pleasure of meeting Alex too, like the rest of you, i found him a very unassumming guy, and a 'gentleman.' When will we see his likes again.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Bapswent Posted June 6, 2008 Share Posted June 6, 2008 I've had the pleasure of meeting Alex too, like the rest of you, i found him a very unassumming guy, and a 'gentleman.' When will we see his likes again.. He is a living embodiment of what the club lacks and needs right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dode Posted June 6, 2008 Share Posted June 6, 2008 A really good night, wasnt sure what to expect but Alex Young was an excelllent turn with his tales and unassumming manner he had a wee laugh when one of the older members of the audience suggest he had been a wee bit lightweight on one occassion during a game, interesting take on the golden vision nickname which he was unsure about the merit of. Scott jollied it along and BB sat patently then seized his chance to display an anorack level of knowledge well done that man. Also well done the whole top table as I do a bit of public speaking it can be quite daunting and the whole thing was delivered with aplomb,I did like Mikes Kenny Ritchie joke. Mike with the launch of the paperback would it not be possible to do it again at a venue in the west of the city, perhaps a longer event with other players and maybe even an older fan or two to relive what you rightly describe as Hearts greatest ever season Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John S Posted June 6, 2008 Share Posted June 6, 2008 I met a strange guy on the bus this morning who just happeed to be there last night; he said it was excellent and was clearly taken with Alex Young. Wish I'd been there! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Findlay Posted June 6, 2008 Share Posted June 6, 2008 Had the pleasure of meeting the man himself at the Manchester Hearts POTY dance held at Goodison Park in the Alex Young suite at the end of the 2004/5 season. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Bapswent Posted June 6, 2008 Share Posted June 6, 2008 I met a strange guy on the bus this morning who just happeed to be there last night; he said it was excellent and was clearly taken with Alex Young. Wish I'd been there! I think I know the guy you mean. He's a totally top bloke. You should probably buy him a pint to show how much you appreciate him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbos Right Peg Posted June 6, 2008 Share Posted June 6, 2008 Mike with the launch of the paperback would it not be possible to do it again at a venue in the west of the city, perhaps a longer event with other players and maybe even an older fan or two to relive what you rightly describe as Hearts greatest ever season It was something that was suggested last night by the publishers of the book. There were a lot of stories that went untold due to the time constraint so you never know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redm Posted June 6, 2008 Share Posted June 6, 2008 It was a really enjoyable evening and I was also absolutely 'taken' with Alex Young! What a gent he is. It got me wondering about modern day players and whether or not they would ever consider sitting with a group of fans like that, simply to talk with them about the club they support. When I spoke with him briefly at the end, he seemed genuinely thrilled that people wanted to hear his stories about the past. He actually even said that if time had allowed it, he would have enjoyed nothing more than having a few drinks and telling us more! I would have bitten his arm off for the chance. As for 'that' season...I'm really looking forward to reading the book RRP, remember to keep us all posted on its availability. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamienick Posted June 6, 2008 Share Posted June 6, 2008 Legend real fighter for the ball. My favourite player those days even though it was difficult to have one then......so much talent...real badge lovers. Alex was the man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookieboy Posted June 6, 2008 Share Posted June 6, 2008 he was my late father's favourite player andwhen you consider the team of that era NUFF SAID!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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