Plinths & Plaques, Statues and Graves
As with not just this but all our trails, local, national and country, we hold the view that merely recording or even putting on-line is a start but not enough. To do justice to the pioneers, as have a few clubs, even countries, to which they went, as in Scotland in the case of Tommy Donohoe and following the lead of Brazils's Bangu, Busby has too and as has SHFG again in Scotland, but also in England and Northern Ireland, there should be, both at home and elsewhere, place for more statues, golden or otherwise, restored, maintained graves, busts on plinths and if not them then plaques.
So, whilst we research and provide biographical and other details of as many of those Scots, native and Diasporan, who through deed and feet spread globally and uniquely the footballing word, we also look at where, in places from which they came or they rest, and as visual expression of our contemporary, national pride in them and those same localities, some form of physical, outdoor recognition would be both appropriate and feasible.
The Source and Resource of the Latin American Game
If you have ever asked yourself the question, from where did South, indeed Latin American football come, then quite simply the map below is much of the answer.
And from the map an obvious trail, an itinerary appears that is a depiction of the intensity of the involvement of Scots in the Latin Amerian game, a potential source of football tourism and of direct cultural and therefore diplomatic contact with the countries in question.
Plus the Spanish Game
And then add the same for the Spanish game and and two over-lapping itineraries reinforce on every front.
Huelva and Minas do Rio Tinto
John Sutherland Mackay
William Alexander Mackay
Charles Adam
Gavin Spiers
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