Robert “Bert” McIntosh

Robert Anderson McIntosh was born in Dundee. He started his career with Fairfield a local junior team.

McIntosh signed for Dundee in 1911, starting off in the “A” team.

He made his first team debut in an away match against Third Lanark in a 4-1 defeat on Christmas Day 1912, and was highlighted in the match report for his performance:

“McIntosh made a fine impression…..he worked with brilliant determination. There was always method in his play, and if he had a fault at all it was hanging on to the ball, for which he had to bear several solid charges.”

Continually giving fine performances, he was often praised in the press. By 1914, he was vice- captain at the club.

At the start of WW1 he was asked his thoughts on Hearts players enlisting, and replied, “If it were possible for us to have the same terms as the Hearts we Dundee players could join too. Every club cannot exactly afford to do the same as the well-off Hearts.”

A charity match between Celtic and the Rest of the League, to raise funds for Belgian Relief Funds was played at Hampden Park, on the 15^th May 1915. McIntosh was the only Dundee player included in the Rest of the League squad (playing in Queen’s Park strips) that lost 1-0. The attendance was 60,000 and over £1,000 was raised on the day. All the players received special presentation medals to commemorate the event.

In August 1917, a loan deal, at a cost of £100, was agreed with Motherwell F.C. , Clydebank, St Mirren, Celtic & Rangers were all interested in adding him to their ranks.

At the end of the 1918/19 season Bert turned out against Dundee, the match ended 0-0. By the start of the 1919/20 season he was once again a Dundee player, becoming club captain.

A transfer to Newcastle United took place, on 23^rd July 1920, for a “nominal fee.” Interest had also been shown from Leicester City, and an offer made, had he signed he would have played alongside John Paterson, a former team mate. At the time it was thought that he might remain at Dens Park as he was due a benefit match. His final appearance in dark blue was against Hibernian on 1^st May 1920 in 0-0 draw.

It didn’t take long to settle at his new club, and his skill stood out. Andy Aitken a former Toon player said, “He was the best right-half in Scottish football.”

Bert retired from football at the end of the 1925/26 season. His last club was Stockport County, for whom he played eight matches.

Moving back to Dundee he started up a motor coach, “charabanc”, business on Derby Street, Dundee.

Bert died on 29th January 1952, aged 59.