One of the things that intrigues me is that I was never aware of lifestyle issues - which is usually the drink in Scotland.
A very good friend of mine (Thistle fan, dislikes us and them equally) taught his lad. Could not have spoken more highly of the lad, but also spoke very highly of John himself. I think John got involved with coaching the school team for a year or three but I am not sure about that. However my friend was desperate to have me believe that John had an on going back issue that limited his career. Which I think illustrates that John was a nice man who impressed my friend.
Whatever happened I still find it hard to believe that the brilliant wee player for us was so soon at Scarborough or whoever!
Well, on reflection, my loose comment "Lifestyle" sounded incriminating. Was talking of my own experience, playing injured, hobbling and off work, feeling low and worse to come. It was playing or my work and a reality .Nobody ever mentioned drink, to me, regarding J.M.D. Saw him as already posted at Fort William, looked like he was stiff and carrying injuries..but still could play..a bit less. but you are right, it's where the mind leaps with my careless wording.
J.MD. Quiet and unassuming,can't say I knew him personally. Jus tin the passing, plenty players in the game in the passing with similar stories, only he was a cut above the most likely to become Top Notch and for a time he was, disappointing, how things panned out for him.
Injuries(constant) changes minds and attitudes, not to even mention ability. Game has improved immensely, in terms of protection. I'm in NO doubt J.M.D was targeted for roughing up, today protection the point of sickening criminal , hoaxing of Refs of an injury with screams an yowls. He'd be grand today, his style of play reminded me of Raul...at RM.
That simply didn't matter in J.M.D's day,hammered, ref blew whistle (occasionally) and defender was a venerated "hard man",who sorted him out, much later it was Ian Durrant, to a thug who could play a bit, never apologised, sure he came back..but not the same, dare I say it John Kennedy, career over in a "friendly" when hacked down, but.... it wears some players down, good old days, my arse for the talented without muscle. Souness set a standard...talent and muscle a bit later, the bully boys on the wane.
It would be foolish of anyone to say J.M.D wasn't successful...was it a double in S'C Final against D.United? More medals and memories and appearances than pillows of dreams I had.