Coventry City's Billy Bell and Hugh Whyte in Legends

Pars goalkeeper from 1976 to 87, Hugh Whyte introduced the Dunfermline Athletic Former Players Association in Legends bar before the Coventry City match . Hugh has been appointed Chairman and it was he who explained the purpose of the recently formed Association to fans on Wednesday night.

"Some of you might have already noticed that for the last few home games of last season, there was rather a mottley crew of faces gathered around the pool table here. Some of those faces might have been instantly recognisable, others vaguely familiar and others totally unknown and unrecognisable. The years have not always been kind as they say.

"Let me explain a little more. At the end of last season the club agreed to the establishment of a Former Players Association and our thanks go out not only to the Chairman John Yorkston but also to of our Honorary members Bob Storrie and Chris Wishart for getting this off the ground.

"The Association is not fully established with a membership of over 50 former players and we expect the number to rise rapidly. We will try and beat Coventry who currently have 140. We have some way to go as yet. As in all these things some poor souls get landed, sorry honoured, by being on the steering committee. I for my sins have been elected as the chairman and most of the committee members are here as well."

Those committee members Roy Barry, Bert Paton, Bonar Mercer, Kenny Thomson and Harry Melrose were all in attendance as Hugh outlined the aims of the Association:-

"We want to act as a social network for former players so that they can meet up and chat over old times. We want to try and raise funds for the club and for charities and we would like to support the club in any way we can by attending social events and on match days. In return the Club have allowed us access to Legends on match days and will provide some half time refreshments.

Round the pool table last season:-
Tommy Callaghan, Doug Baillie and Dan McLindon

"On match days those Association members who are able to come will meet here around the pool table so feel free to come over and say hello or even say 'who the hell are you?'. We will also be visiting some of the lounges to introduce ourselves and generally be available to chat and answers questions. We can't promise to answer all the questions and don't take any responsibility for the teams; performance.

"This evening we are fortunate to have a number of members of the Coventry City formers players association and I'd like to introduce them. The two most famous ones are Kevin Drinkell and Ian Wallace.

"Please come forward to any one of us this evening for a chat and do tell all your friends and members of Legends about the Former Players Association. We need all the help we can get if we as an Association are to achieve our aims and objectives. We look forward to not only receiving your support but also supporting you in any way that we can to achieve success for Dunfermline."

Billy Bell from the Coventry City Former Players Association also spoke and he pointed out an omission:-

"A very important person is here tonight who played for Coventry City, he was a fantastic player. Please put your hands together for Mr Roy Barry.

"Coventry has the biggest Former Players Association in Great Britain. We have 146 now."

Billy who is the announcer at the Ricoh Arena casino presented Hugh Whyte a signed book about the last games at Highfield Road, Coventry's old stadium. He suggested that it could be used for auction or raffle.

Former Players Association launch in February 2009