I have just read John Litsters book Life and death of the Hi Hi or to be honest ive read half the book as it is uniquely, physically split, between the financial matters and the playing side of things.
Just finished the financial half which was certainly an area of which I had very little knowledge apart from the basic populous belief that Bill Hiddleston was mainly responsible for their demise (well in my opinion at least, the final executioner).
In 1967 I was a gangly 13 year old who had come to realise that his 4 year love/infatuation with all things Third Lanark had come to an abrupt end.
I remember scanning the papers at the time (finding Thirds on the front pages instead of the back) as things came to a head though really it was all a bit much to take in for a young lad... warrant sales...extraordinary general meetings...share issues...boardroom politics... all I knew was that Thirds were gone!
This book has gone a considerable way to redress this and its a fascinating read that exposes what appears to be almost unbroken turmoil since 1903 in the Third Lanark Boardrooms.
It also gives an illuminating insight into the day to day machinations of running Thirds and paints a vivid picture of what life was like at Cathkin over the years identifying the constant struggle of meeting all the financial demands required in maintaining a club of Thirds stature.
It is also another tangible memory along with the books of Bert Bell and Bob Laird to have on your bookshelf as a reminder of those great days and I would be surprised if we will see many more additions to this grateful list.
