Patrick Barclay, who has died at the age of 77 was a former pupil of the school. Patrick (Paddy) was one of a select few to have been Chief Football Writer at The Times, Guardian, Observer, and Telegraph. He was also a frequent guest and contributor on Sky Sports and the writer of four outstanding books on Ferguson, Mourinho, Busby and Chapman.
Joining in Senior Years, Paddy left the School in Form 5, walked across the playground to DC Thomson’s to secure a job as an office boy in the Telegraph’s sub-editor’s office and never looked back. You can read a lovely interview with Paddy on Page 20 of Schola Clara’s Issue 7 Schola Clara issue 7 by highschoolofdundee – Issuu.
Given his extensive career in Sports Journalism, there are two very fitting tributes in The Guardian Patrick Barclay obituary | Sport | The Guardian and Dundee’s Courier Patrick Barclay: Legendary Dundee sportswriter dies aged 77.
Former pupil Martel Maxwell described him as ‘charismatic and funny’ when she was lucky enough to meet him at a wedding in London. “One of the best sports writers of his generation. The only one to be lead football writer on all the national broadsheets, in London.” Martel Maxwell’s tribute to Dundee football writer Paddy Barclay
Our thoughts go to Paddy’s family. He is survived by two children, Jennifer and Duncan.
Patrick Barclay, journalist, born 15 August 1947; died 12 February 2025
