When I was asked to review the Book "Wee Troupie" by Author David W. Potter I was only too happy to oblige. However I thought, who exactly was Alec Troup?

This excellent book certainly answered this question and a lot more. The Author David Potter certainly has captured life in a rural Angus town around the turn of the Century from where Alexander the name that should be used, at his mother's insistence and his family were all born and bred.

The tales of Alec's early Forfar beginnings are not only humorous but informative giving you a genuine feeling of wishing you'd been there, which in itself is a great testimony not only to Alec's skill but the authors ability to put it into print.

Even in his early years in the Non League days with Forfar, both Celtic and Rangers Managers of the time were impressed by Wee Eck's skill as the Forfar Dispatch called him. Though Falkirk, Dundee and Aberdeen were all keeping tracks on him also, this was all around the uncertain period of the 1st World War.

Dundee finally acquired Alec's services when Forfar Athletic went into abeyance during the WW1 hostilities and the lure of playing for a First Division side in Scotland's elite was too much for him, so he finally left his beloved Forfar to entertain the Dundee FC paying public.

Not much was known about Alec's war days, as it's a matter he never discussed, but the author still manages to let the reader know how it must have felt in those dark days both at home and on foreign soil.

Alec Troup's return to Dundee after the War was a breath of fresh air to the local populace as they were in need of a hero and role model, Alec filled that void for them more than adequately. As he was immortalised in the Football songs of the day even if they were a little economical with the truth, but surely another testimony to the man's great footballing ability and the esteem he held with the fans of the day.

So it was no wonder the sense of loss that must have been felt by the fans on Alec's inevitable move South to Everton. Something Dundee fans still have to endure in this day and age, the loss of an icon.

It wasn't long before Alec became the Toffees favourite also, even before the arrival of the Legendary Dixie Dean. Though when the Troup's crosses rained in on goal during the 1928-29 Season, inevitably it was Dixie Dean on the end of them to break the all time Goal scoring record yet to be surpassed in England. Surprisingly enough Alec never gained many Scottish Caps even during this period a total of 5 Caps to his name, surely a great injustice, but every one of them was cherished as Alec was proud of playing for his Country.

He may have been older and slower when he made his great lauded return to Dens Park, but his trickery and ability was still with him and the fans flocked back to see a True Dundee Legend make his return debut.

After reading this book , I can give it no more greater tribute than the fact I feel I have missed watching a real gentleman and artistic sportsman ply his trade in the Dark Blue of Dundee FC and when the age old question comes along who would be in your greatest Dundee team ever?

The name Alec Troup won't be far from my mind after reading of his exploits in the Biography by David W. Potter. "Wee Troupie" Published by Tempus Publishing Ltd.

Make your own minds up though, as I truly recommend it as a great read not only from a Footballing side but from a historical point of view also.

You can pick up copies at the following Retailers.
Dundee Club Shop, Waterstones and James Thin Book Shops.