1961 Scottish Cup Final Fever

21/04/61: News on eve of the 1961 Scottish Cup Final between Jock Stein's Dunfermline and Celtic.

Between Semi Final and Final
Celtic were the opponents for Dunfermline's first ever Scottish Cup Final on Saturday 22nd April 1961. Previous meetings in season 60/61 had ended 2-2 at East End Park in November and on Saturday 25th March just a week prior to the Semi Final, the Pars had gone to Celtic Park and lost 2-1.

After the excitement of reaching the final by beating St Mirren, it was back to the more mundane matter of league business on Saturday 8th April. Buoyed by their cup victory, the Pars beat Hibernian 4-2 at East End Park with goals from Harry Melrose (2), George Peebles and Dave Thomson.

Next up was a visit to Broomfield to play Airdrie, where thanks to a Dan McLindon goal, a 1-0 victory resulted. The last game before the final was away to Clyde, where any hopes of a morale boosting victory were swept aside, with the Bully Wee running out 6-0 winners. It was noted however, that in all the preceding rounds, the Pars had never won the game immediately before the cup tie - perhaps this defeat was a lucky omen!

The squad moved to Seamill Hydro on the Clyde after the match at Shawfield and stayed until the following Sunday. The players had been given the choice of going to the England v Scotland match at Wembley but opted for Seamill instead.

Final training, planning and preparations for the big day were carried out at East End Park. These were not the only preparations being made though for the fans were also planning their part in helping the team towards a first Hampden success.

Cup fever had taken over the town. Shop windows took up a distinct black and white flavour with team photographs bedecked in ribbons and messages of good luck; all the talk was of football.

People who in the past had no interest in the game found themselves discussing the Pars chances against the might of Celtic. Coach and rail bookings were made - it seemed that the whole of Dunfermline, even Fife for that matter, was heading for Glasgow on Saturday 22nd April 1961.

The Build Up
With supporters queuing for up to six hours to get their hands one of the precious cup final briefs, British Rail laid on six special trains to transport the large numbers expected to make the trip to Hampden. As well as by train, another 5,000 supporters were expected to travel by coach.

In the days leading up to 22nd April, Cup final fever swept Dunfermline. Shop windows were bedecked with black and white ribbons, and messages of good luck. The Dunfermline Press ran many adverts from individuals and companies urging the Pars to bring the cup home to Dunfermline.

As part of the physical and mental preparations for the final, after the Clyde game Jock Stein took the squad to Seamill Hydro, where they stayed until the following Sunday. During the week leading up to the game, the final preparations carried out at East End Park including fitting the players out with blazers and flannels. The players would wear the new outfits for the first time at the final.

Arrangements were made for transport to take the team the Civic Chambers for the Reception that had been planned for the Saturday night, whatever the outcome of the final. Should the Pars win the Cup, then an open top bus would be provided, but in the event of Celtic winning, then an ordinary bus would be substituted! Details of the victory route and timings were published in the Press, and with admirable foresight, alternative times were given should the game go to a Wednesday replay.

The Town Band went into rehearsals to lead the parade, practising a tune called 'The Stein Song'. Director, Leonard Jack had had the record in his collection for many years.

Celtic's route to the final had included some impressive performances along the way, although it took them two attempts to overcome Hibs in the Quarter final:

On the day before the match with team preparations well advanced, Manager Stein was dealt a major blow, when winger Tommy McDonald reported sick to East End Park, with what turned out to be appendicitis. To cover for McDonald, George Peebles was switched to outside right, with McLindon occupying the inside-left position.