Gretna FC Trivia Quiz

Answer: July 1946

Gretna FC was founded in July 1946 by local men Mr. McKinnell (Sr. and Jr.), both of Queen of the South fame, and Jock Kerr. In that inaugaral season, the team played in the local Dumfries Junior League before moving on to bigger things.

Answer: 1951-52

It is unusual, but not uncommon for border clubs of England and Scotland to become involved in leagues across the border. Gretna would spend many years playing in the English lower leagues, while Berwick Ranges (of English origin) played in the Scottish lower leagues, due to Berwick proximity to the major Scottish cities and the distance to most English cities.

Answer: 1982

Gretna FC eventually became far too powerful for the modest surroundings of the Carlisle League, at one stage winning six consecuvtive titles, so were promoted to the new Northern League Division Two for the 1982-83 season. Gretna FC promptly won that as well at the first time of asking, and were promoted to Northern League Division One.

Answer: Rangers

In a friendly match to raise money for the Lockerbie Air Disaster, Gretna FC pulled off a major shock by beating a Rangers side full of internationals to win 2-1.

Answer: 6th

Gretna had already applied for entry twice in 1993 and 1999, and while these were well received, it took the extinction of Airdrieonians for Gretna to finally be admitted. In that first season the team acquitted themselves well to the new surroundings, finishing 6th overall, P36, W11, D12, L13, F50, A50, PTS45.

Answer: 130

In only 36 games, Gretna managed to score an incredible 130 goals. Gretna particularly had to think Kenny Deuchar (38 goals) and David Bingham (27 goals). Other records that season included 18 wins out of 18 at home and a record 98-point haul.

Answer: James Grady

The 34-year old forward was bought from Dundee United after spells at Clydebank, Dundee, Ayr United, and Dundee United.

Answer: Hearts 1-1 Gretna

Despite being rank outsiders, Gretna showed the same spirit and attack as they did during any league game by showing no fear of a side packed full of internationals, and they so nearly pulled off one of the biggest upsets in modern football by holding Hearts, who finished second in the Premier League, to a 1-1 draw at the end of normal play. Unfortunately for the Borders club, they would eventually lose during the penatly shoot out.

Answer: Raydale Park

With a capacity of only 2,200 in 2006, and with the club having aspirations of playing in the Scottish Premier League, Gretna was under construction to update their ground to a 6,000 seat stadium, a minimum requirement for entry to the SPL. Funny enough, the local population of Gretna barely exceeded 2,750.

Answer: Rowan Alexander

First taking control of Gretna while they were still in the Northern Premier League in England, he remained in charge when they made the move to Scottish Division Three. Since then, with the help of Brooks Mileson, he has established Gretna as a force in the Scottish lower leagues and could soon lead Gretna into the Premier League.