Tommy McDermott

Tommy was born in Bridgeton, Glasgow on 12^th January 1871, and started his career with Cambuslang Hibernian.

He signed for Dundee F.C. at the start of the 1899-1900 season, making his debut against Dundee Wanderers on 23^rd August. He put in a good performance, with the Dundee Advertiser reporting, “He was a player of no mean order”. His league debut was at Dens against Hibernian in a 2-2 draw on 16^th September 1899.

There were other clubs keen at the time to obtain his signature from both Scotland and England.

Tommy soon settled into the team, becoming an integral part of it. He was highly praised in the press after the goalless draw against Third Lanark on the 24th November 1900:

“If at any time there existed an impression that Tommy McDermott was not worth his place in a League eleven, it should, as a result of his exhibition on Saturday be dispelled forever. He was by far the smartest forward in the Dundee quintette. Repeatedly he nicely tricked two or three opponents all in rapid succession.”

His performances continued to gain him attention, with Celtic keen to take him to Parkhead.  In October 1901 they were successful with their bid, Dundee receiving £200. Aston Villa had previously offered £150.

After two seasons with the Glasgow club, he moved to England. Playing for Everton 1903-1905, and  Chelsea (32 appearances and eleven goals), before returning to Dundee F.C. in November 1906.

He went on to make a further thirty seven appearances for the Dees, scoring sixteen goals, before moving down to England again two years later and joining Bradford City, playing alongside another former Dee, George Chaplin..

After that he played for a host of clubs in quick succession. Between 1908 and 1914 he signed on with eleven clubs: Hibernian, Gainsborough Trinity, Kilmarnock, Forfar Athletic, Dundee Hibernian, Anfield  Royal, St Helen’s Recreation, Wirral Railway, Vale of Leven, Broxburn Shamrock & finally Clyde.

Tommy died on 30^th June 1961, aged eighty three, and is buried in Rutherglen Cemetery.