AFTER 30 years of co-presenting Off the Ball on BBC Radio Scotland – twice a week since 1994 for about 3000 programmes – I haven’t a Scooby just how many guests have joined us in the studio.
But judging by the reaction to last Saturday’s show, I think Dougie Donnelly will be remembered as one of the very best.
(So, no pressure on you tomorrow, Mr Keevins…!)
The legendary broadcaster and part-time furniture salesman (more about that later!) returned to his old stomping ground to plug his newly-published autobiography.
The feedback from listeners was quite incredible and I’d urge anyone who missed a hugely entertaining romp through Dougie’s amazing career to catch the full 120 minutes on BBC Sounds.
On Saturday, I waded through a pile of texts and emails I didn’t have time to read out on the show and, with thanks once again to Dougie, I’ll share one or two today.
For example, listener Ewan McF recalled one of Dougie’s best ever lines on live TV: “One of the little-known secrets of the Olympic Games is that there is actually a MEN’S beach volleyball tournament as well.”
LOL. Oscar Wilde would have been proud of that one.
Another chap recalled winning the competition on Dougie’s old Radio Clyde mid-morning show – a signed album by the band Survivor (who took Rocky theme Eye of the Tiger to No1 in the charts).
However, he was apparently a tad disappointed when the LP arrived a few days later and the autograph on the front said: “Best wishes, Dougie Donnelly.”
Gaun’ yersel’ Dougie!
Always immaculate in front of camera – no spray-on skinny jeans and white trainers for this peerless presenter – loads of OTB listeners had fond memories of his beautifully sculpted wavy hair.
As one cheeky contributor asked: “Is Dougie’s wig still made from 100 per cent lambswool?” When I posted the photo of me, Stuart and Dougie after the show, another wisecracker said: “I didn’t realise Dougie was a barrister…”
How dare you!
Listen, every hair in that carefully coiffured barnet – maintained on a regular basis by celeb crimper Taylor Ferguson – belongs to Mr Donnelly.
Hugely impressive for a 71-year-old, I’m sure you’ll agree.
But I did enjoy a sizeable chuckle at the dozen or so listeners who pointed out it looks like an uncooked packet of Super Noodles.
Thanks for providing today’s lookalike, folks. Funnily enough, the sub-heading of Dougie’s book is “Recorded Highlights”…
(Interviewing Billy McNeil after a particularly savage snip back in the day, the Celtic legend apparently did a double take and told Dougie: “Tell me who cut your hair and I’ll sort him out…”)
Dougie’s association with a certain furniture store in Tillicoultry meant our Team of the Week – and it HAD to be called Sterling Albion – received a record number of entries and, again, I barely had time to read any out.
My favourites in The Furniture XI? Peter Couch, Falkirk legend Kevin James (he’s a tall-boy), Frank Standard Lampard, Flat Packie Bonner, Jan Vennegoor of Kitchen Sink, Stevie Futon and Pillow Flood.
(If Raheem Sterling opened a furniture shop, do you think Dougie would do the TV adverts?)
I was thrilled to leave the BBC last Saturday with a signed copy of Dougie’s book – thanks pal – and I can’t wait to get tore into it.
In fact, you know what, Dougie? I might even read the golf bit…
PS. In other radio news, it was reported that Vernon Kay missed his BBC R2 show this week after being “unable to talk”.
He should have done it anyway. Listening figures would have gone through the roof.
●Dougie Donnelly: My Life in Sport, Recorded Highlights, published by McNidder & Grace, out now (£22).
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