27 Facts About Hamish McAlpine

Hamish Robert McAlpine was born on 21 January 1948 and is a Scottish retired footballer who played as a goalkeeper.

Hamish McAlpine played for Dundee United for twenty years, between 1966 and 1986.

Hamish McAlpine ended his playing career with spells at Raith Rovers and Arbroath.

Hamish McAlpine's father, Ian McAlpine, was a promising footballer whose career was disrupted by the Second World War, although he did sign for Dundee in 1946 and played for their reserve team.

Hamish McAlpine played junior football for Dundee North End prior to signing provisionally for Dundee United in June 1966.

Hamish McAlpine combined part-time football with a job at United chairman George Fox's accountancy firm until signing a professional contract in the close season of 1967.

In October 1970, Hamish McAlpine came on as a substitute for the injured Mackay in a Fairs Cup tie against Sparta Prague to make his European debut and only his second competitive appearance overall.

That proved to be a breakthrough for Hamish McAlpine, who went to make thirty appearances in all competitions that season and establish himself as first choice.

Hamish McAlpine was still in the team until knee surgery ruled him out for a spell in 1974, which meant Davie played in United's first Scottish Cup final appearance.

Hamish McAlpine was building a reputation for eccentricity and becoming a cult favourite with United supporters, often leaving his penalty area to take on opponents.

Hamish McAlpine volunteered to take over as penalty taker, scoring on his first attempt against Hibernian in the penultimate match of the season.

Hamish McAlpine later came close to scoring another United goal, hitting the bar with a shot whilst playing outfield in a reserve match.

Hamish McAlpine was suspended by the club and temporarily replaced by former England goalkeeper Peter Bonetti.

Hamish McAlpine was dropped for a League Cup tie against Falkirk in August 1982, with reserve goalkeeper John Gardiner taking his place.

Hamish McAlpine faced competition for his place in the side when McLean signed Scottish international goalkeeper Billy Thomson in June 1984.

Hamish McAlpine went on to feature in two more cup finals that season, although United lost to Rangers in the League Cup and Celtic in the Scottish Cup.

Hamish McAlpine was injured in October 1985 and lost his place in the side to Thomson.

Hamish McAlpine played one match on loan to Dunfermline Athletic in April 1986, shortly before it was announced that he would be leaving Dundee United at the end of the season after twenty years at the club.

Hamish McAlpine joined Raith Rovers in the close season of 1986, helping them win promotion from the Scottish Second Division in his first season.

In September 1987, Hamish McAlpine added a fourth goal to his career total, scoring directly from a kick-out for Raith against Kilmarnock.

Hamish McAlpine subsequently joined Second Division Arbroath for a short spell prior to retiring in 1989.

Hamish McAlpine gained international recognition in his mid-thirties, featuring as a permitted overage player for the Scotland Under-21 team.

Hamish McAlpine has worked intermittently for Dundee United in various part-time capacities, including as a goalkeeping coach, in the commercial department and as a matchday host.

Hamish McAlpine was appointed as a club ambassador in 2014.

Hamish McAlpine opened a pub called Goalie's in Dundee in 1986.

Amongst his other sporting interests, Hamish McAlpine has appeared for Rossie Priory Cricket Club, where his brother Derek Hamish McAlpine was a long-serving player.

Also a keen golfer, Hamish McAlpine became captain at Alyth Golf Club in 2010.