Soapy Soutar Takes Over The High Corner

[Gnasher]

 

Bit of a come down from when Caniggia was pulling the pints at the HC but good luck to Soapy ! 

Article

 

The 35-year-old, affectionately known as “Soapy”, takes over the reins of the High Corner on Kinghorne Road today with plans to make it the place to be for football fans.

Derek, who was a Dundee FC player for nearly a decade, said: “I want the High Corner to be the number one place for the supporters to go on match days, with the best atmosphere.

“I’ve been in it recently and it’s not been as busy as it should be.

“I’d like it to be back to what it used to be — a family-friendly pub which can also allow away fans to come in and have some banter too.

“With the contacts that I have and the people I’ve met over the years who run the supporters buses, I want to welcome them and make it a great day out for them.

“We’ll have football on the TV as well — we’ve got BT Sport and we’ll have Champions League and Europa League games on.”

One of the main reasons Derek has taken over the pub is because of his fond memories of popping in for a pint after games at Dens Park.

He said: “It was always a great atmosphere.

“I remember when we won the Challenge Cup in 2009 the place was absolutely jumping and again when we won the league against Dumbarton.

“I’d like the supporters to be able to come in for a bit of a sing song — I’m really excited about it. I know what it should be and I know what it can be.

“We’ve got staff in there just now who have done a great job — now it’s about taking the pub to the next level where it should be.”

Derek’s first match day will be on Saturday when Dundee take on Kilmarnock and he’s hoping to create a lively atmosphere.

But the official opening will be held on October 1, when Celtic visit Dens, and it is hoped former and current Dundee FC players will be able to visit after the match.

Derek, who hopes to be pulling the pints this Saturday, added: “It’ll be a lot of work but I wouldn’t have taken it on if I didn’t think I could do it.

“I’m really excited about it and I’m looking forward to Saturday.

“I’ll be behind the bar and I’m looking forward to the banter and humour.”

Jimmy Marr of Park Leisure, who owns the High Corner, said: “It’s a pub we have owned for about 20 years and now we’ve decided to lease it out again.

“Derek came along and with his local knowledge we thought he was the perfect fit.

“We had six or seven people interested, but I think Derek will be great for the pub.

“He lives locally, it’s a popular football pub and he’s well-known in the city.”

[JoeCovenant]

As immortalised in The New Johnnie Scobie! 

[WeighorstsWang]

Best of luck with it, Derek. 

Does this mean he's chucked his goalkeeping 'school'? 

[Gnasher]

Anyone got the pic of Caniggia serving pints at the HC ?