George “Pud” Hill

George Hill grew up in a football orientated family. His father, John played at junior level, becoming vice-president of Stobswell F.C., and his brother Willie, played for Arbroath F.C.

He signed for Dundee from junior club North End, and made his debut on 24^th February 1940, in the first round of the War Cup against Third Lanark, which ended 1-1. The Courier reported that “young George Hill on the right, started well in his first game for the Dark Blues, but faded out. He looked too small for this particular job.” He wasn’t in the line-up for the replay, but made nine more appearances in the Eastern Division that season.

Although he became an integral part of the team when football restarted after the end of the war, he was unfortunate with injuries, and didn’t feature in either of the League Cup finals of 1951/52 or 52/53. He did get a Scottish Cup runner’s up medal in 1951/52.

In 1955 he was given a free transfer, in lieu of a benefit match, and joined up with East Fife. Unfortunately, nine months after signing he suffered a serious leg injury that heralded the end of his playing career. George showed what an honourable man he was by offering to return his signing on fee, he also felt that he couldn’t accept his weekly wage when he wasn’t playing, so renegotiated his wage. It wasn’t common knowledge that ”Pud” played from 1947 with a screw holding his kneecap in place.

Montrose F.C. gave George the move into management. He became their first manager in 1956, after they secured a permanent position in the Scottish League. He resigned in 1959 as he was struggling with football and business commitments. George had a newsagent shop  in the east end of Dundee.

“Pud” died at the age of 81 in 2002.