Harko goes Dotty for 'Gers tribute

Dec 27 2007 Ayrshire Post

BRING on the Rangers. Ayr United’s legend groundsman Davie Harkness is preparing for the game of his life.

Turf king Davie’s 30 years is being honoured with a testimonial against the Ibrox giants in July.

And there at his side will be wife Dot, Somerset Park’s do it all tea lady since 1984.

Davie is bowled over that Walter Smith has given the thumbs-up to a glamour pre-season friendly.

Davie, 61, said: “Ayr used to have their fair share of wins over Rangers. I remember the first time I saw them at Somerset was in the late 50s when we beat them 1-0 with only ten men.

“In the days before subs, Billy Thomson broke his ribs in a last ditch tackle on Johnny Hubbard but Ayr went on to win 1-0 with a famous goal from Willie Jaap.

“The ball hit a divot and soared over the head of goalie George Niven.”

Davie, who was greenkeeper at Prestwick St Nicholas before joining United, has seen it all at Somerset.

He said: “The two promotion winning seasons under Ally MacLeod and Gordon Dalziel were highlights as was the CIS Cup final.

“I remember being slated when we beat Killie in a mudheap but it was Hugh Dallas who put the tie on — not me.

“Life at a football club is like tending a garden. One year you have a good crop of tatties, the next can be not so good.

“The club is going through difficult times at the moment but I’m confident we’ll be back.”

Davie’s testimonial year will kick off with a games night in the Somerset hospitality suite on February 23. Tickets, price £5, include buffet.

A dinner will be held in the Princess Royal suite at Ayr Racecourse on May 16. Tickets are £45 from Somerset Park.