Davie Raitt

Born in Buckhaven, Fife, Davie started his football career with Buckhaven Victoria in 1913, followed by Buckhaven Thistle in 1914. He worked as a coal miner, as did his father.

At the outbreak of WW1, Raitt enlisted with the Highland Cyclists Corps, and was attached to the Black Watch. He was transferred to the Royal Warwickshire’s in 1916. By that time he had obtained the rank of Corporal. In 1918 he was awarded the Military Medal whilst at fighting at St Quentin, France. He also captained the Warwickshire regimental football team. Which was where Dundee F.C. heard of his prowess.

Davie arrived at Dens Park in July 1919. The club were regrouping after the suspension of football during the war years. Dens had had £500 spent on ground improvements, and manager, Alex McFarlane was putting together a team for the start of the new season 1919/20.

He made his debut on 16^th August 1919, in a 3-1 away defeat to Motherwell.

Throughout his time as a Dundee F.C. player he was a constant in the first team, and formed “one of the finest defences in the country” with “Napper” Thomson. He was renowned as being fearless in defence.

Raitt was part of the Dundee team that faced a strong “Glasgow Select” for Alec Troup’s benefit match on 29^th March 1922. A crowd of 7,000 watched a match of “high standard” that ended 2-2.

The 1921/22 season was Davie’s last with Dundee. He signed for Everton for a fee of £2,200 on 18^th May 1922. The Liverpool club had hoped to make it a double deal with Alec Troup also making the move, but that didn’t happen until six months later.

After six years at Goodison Park, Davie was transferred to Blackburn Rovers for £325. He had been replaced in the Everton defence by Warney Cresswell, who, at one time, held the record as the most expensive player (when he was transferred to Sunderland for £5,500 in 1922).

After only four appearances for the Lancashire club, and requesting to be put on the “open to transfer” list, he returned to Scotland and joined Forfar Athletic in October 1929. There had been rumours that he might go to Newcastle United or a London Third Division club. There was also a chance to move to the U.S.A., a former teammate, who was manager of the New Bedford F.C., in Massachusetts, offered Raitt a chance to sign on.

As his football career drew to a close, Davie took the opportunity of performing in another role. A talented piano-accordonist he took to the stage locally. He was also a keen golfer, and fisherman.

In 1932, along with a host of former Dundee players, he graced the field at Dens Park, for the final time, in aid of charity. Renewing his partnership with “Napper” Thomson against a “Police Xi”, the money raised going to the “Bootless Bairns Fund”.

After retiring from football, he gained employment with Dundee Town Council. Later becoming a barman in the licensed trade in Dundee.

When WW2 started Davie enlisted once again, becoming a Bombardier with the Royal Artillery. He was to have been part of an emergency team for decontamination work, but decided to take part in active service once again.

Davie died 7^th May 1969 in Dundee, aged 95.