Latest news with #Riddrie
Daily Mail
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
How one of football's hardest men was humbled after he found himself behind bars: 'I thought I was a man. I was a baby'
A former footballer who was renowned for his fiery character both on and off the pitch has revealed how he was humbled by a stretch in prison. The ex-player made over 250 Premier League appearances, earning a fierce reputation thanks to his love for a scrap. However, he took it one step too far back in 1994 as he became the first-ever British footballer to be jailed for an offence committed on the field. After headbutting an opponent, he was slapped with a 12-game ban and a three-month prison sentence. He revealed how he was brought back down to earth by having to serve a stint behind bars. The individual in question chillingly told BBC Sport: 'I thought I was a man. I've got everything boxed-off. I was just a baby.' That was none other than former Everton and Newcastle striker Duncan Ferguson, who was convicted for headbutting Raith Rovers player Jock McStay while playing for Rangers in a match in April 1994. Fast-forward over two decades later, and 'Big Dunc' has shared what life was like during his 44-day spell in HMP Barlinie - Scotland's largest prison - located in Riddrie, north-east Glasgow. After going inside at the age of 23, he shared concerns for his safety due to his high-profile status having played for Rangers, combined with his young age. The Scot said: 'It was like they were focusing on me. You're worried sick. You've got to face that in the morning. I never slept a wink all night. 'I was terrified. I'm going to walk out on this landing in the morning and you think someone's going to stick a knife in you.' That came after he had been involved in a string of previous altercations, including a fight in Anstruther, a town located nine miles from St. Andrews. Previously, he had been slapped with a £100 fine for headbutting a policeman and fined a further £200 for punching and kicking a supporter who was on crutches. Speaking to Mail Sport last month, the ex-Toffees hardman said he was reduced to a trembling ball of anxiety during his prison stint. The 53-year-old stated: 'It became darker, and darker. Then there were the threats.' He heard threats from fellow inmates far and wide, enough to put fear into even the heart of Big Dunc himself. 'What cell is he in. I am going to cut that big dirty Orange b*****d. He's gonnae get cut tae f***.' Ferguson added: 'Half a dozen to 10 people were telling me I was going to get slashed in the morning. I was only 23, on my own. It was frightening. You think: "How has it come to this?" He has accepted that many of the tough situations he found himself in were down to an over-indulgence when it came to alcohol - a circumstance he has since rectified by being sober since 2008. Fortunately, given the stormy seas he navigated during his playing career and personal life, he is a battle-hardened sailor who lives to tell the tale of his voyages - just without a desire for a bottle of rum.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'We're the home of shredded gammon - people love it'
A LONG-ESTABLISHED deli has been nominated as a finalist for the Glasgow Times Best Takeaway. Rowan's Deli, on Cumbernauld Road, has made it to the top 10 of the best takeaways in Glasgow and the surrounding area as voted for by our readers alongside Asian Tandoori, Catch, Chippy Mahal, Clay Oven Tandoori, Kam Wa Chinese, Levant, The Kraken Chippy, Spring Garden and Umairs. Annmarie McCartney, manager, says she thinks staff's relationship with customers is one of the reasons they have been nominated for the award. Laura Stobo, owner Garry Tidditt and manager Annmarie McCartney (Image: GordonTerris_Herald&Times) She told the Glasgow Times: 'I think it's because we're all friendly, we have lots of banter with the customers when they come in.' She continued: 'It would be great to win. 'It's a family business and we've been running for 40 years. 'The people we work for deserve it.' Rowan's Deli has been in Glasgow since 1985, with the Riddrie location having been open for around 12 years. The deli has an extensive menu featuring a variety of cold and hot filled rolls, soup, burgers, baked potatoes, salads, breakfast options and other items. The eatery prides itself on use quality ingredients while keeping prices fair to give customers 'the best possible experience'. (Image: GordonTerris_Herald&Times) Annmarie, who has worked for the company for around 10 years, says while they are delighted with the nomination, it comes as no surprise because they are always busy, with many customers enjoying one item in particular. She said: 'We're the home of the shredded gammon. 'People come in for that because they love it.' She continued: 'We always get our regulars every day, it's the same people we get mostly.' Melanie and Garry Tibbitt, owners of Rowan's Deli, said: 'Rowan's is a family run business where staff become part of the family. 'The business has been trading for the best part of 40 years in the East End of Glasgow at first based in Budhill Avenue at the site of the original shops, then in Hermiston Road and now finally in our current location for over 25 years in Budhill Avenue. 'In 2012 we added a new Deli at Cumbernauld Road and adapted the business to cope with the change in demand from groceries to delicatessen where we continue to offer our fine quality fresh produce at reasonable prices, continuing the ethos of all food made fresh to order on site. 'Now with the expansion of our new location in Baillieston in 2023 after local demand, we can continue to supply our local residents and customers with quality produce whilst continuing to offer something new and tasty. 'For years we have had the ethos that the customer designs their lunch and we create it, don't settle for premade lunch offerings, get it fresh made daily. 'We've had 40 years of delicious memories and can't thank our customers and locals enough for being part of our story.' Rowan's Deli is located at 855 Cumbernauld Road, 29 Buchanan Street and 20-22 Budhill Avenue.
