Dave Warnock

Dave Warnock only played four games, and scored two goals, for Dundee in his very short time with the club,  signing shortly before football was suspended at the start of WW2.

Warnock was born in Busby, East Renfrewshire, on 25^th December 1910. He moved north early in life, settling in Aberdeenshire.

Dave started his football career with junior club Banks O’ Dee in Aberdeen,  joining Aberdeen F.C. in 1930, making a total of 150 appearances, and scoring 40 goals in his time at Pittodrie. He had been a valuable player for the Dons, in what was a successful period.

After being given a free transfer at the end of the 1938-39 season, Dundee manager Andy Cunningham travelled to Aberdeen and signed him on the 9^th May.

He made his debut at Dens Park, who were in Division Two, on the opening day of the 1939-40 season, on the 12^th September in a 5-1 win against Raith Rovers. He nearly scored in the first half, and squandered an easy chance in the second half. Towards the end of the match he struggled with a foot injury. But overall made a good impression.

His first goal came in his second match which was away to Airdrie. In the forty-second minute he headed Dundee’s second goal.

A second goal came in his third match, which was at home against Dumbarton, and ended in a 3-1 win. Dave had been struggling with a knee injury, and was considered doubtful to start the match. He scored the first goal of the game in the twenty-third minute.

His final appearance for the Dees was in a 1-1 draw away to Morton.

The SFA suspended football competition on the 13^th September at the start of WW2, and that brought down the curtain on Warnock’s career with Dundee.

Dave joined the R.A.F., holding the rank of corporal, for the duration of the war, and was demobbed in 1945. During that time he played football in the services matches.

At the end of the war Dundee F.C. had more players than they required return to the club. Warnock decided to move back home, and signed for Huntly. After retiring from playing he became a club official.

In the 1950’s he was appointed Scottish Football Association Representative, for the Aberdeen and District Football Association. A post he held until resigning due to ill health in 1965. In recognition for all the work he did on their behalf he was made an honorary life member.

Dave died on the 19^thMarch 1976, and Huntly had a minute’s silence for him before the start of their match against Fraserburgh.