Dingwall football trailblazer's Messi hometown link hailed in Argentina
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A GROUP of devoted Argentinian football enthusiasts found their hearts beating a little faster this week — as they set foot in Dingwall.
While today's World Cup final showdown with Germany in Brazil has sent the South American nation into fits of frenzied anticipation, it was the visit to the Ross-shire county town which left this week’s visitors with broad smiles on their faces.
The link between Dingwall and Rosario Central — which plays in the premeria division in Argentina — was established five years ago.
Federico J Bollero Calder, the great-great-grandson of the club’s founder and first president, Colin Bain Calder, who was born in Dingwall, made contact with community leaders to draw attention to the link as the club prepared to celebrate its 120th anniversary.
Local councillors responded by sending Ross County FC memorabilia to the club to mark the occasion.
Earlier this week, Rosario’s cultural secretary, Fabian Omark Barzan, along with members of his family, paid a visit to Dingwall. And during a guided tour of Ross County Football Club, they decided they wanted to take a piece of the town back to Argentina — quite literally.
After having photos taken with County’s manager Derek Adams and some of the club’s new signings, Mr Barzan and his family were presented with some club memorabilia — and, uniquely, a piece of turf from the playing park itself, which they intend to take home with them.
The party also visited Dingwall Museum where gifts were exchanged and to St Clement’s church yard where they paid their respects at the grave of Alexander Calder, the father of their founder.
Speaking to the Ross-shire Journal, Mr Barzan said: “The main reason for our visit to Europe was to come and visit Dingwall. Our local team was founded by a Scottish man who was born here. We came to find out more about him and we are very pleased with the reception we have received.”
The group were met by at Dingwall railway station by local councillor Margaret Paterson, who has maintained correspondence with the club since it first made contact.
Mr Barzan revealed the club intends to make a film about its founder in the near future, and hopes to film the first part of the story in Dingwall. He revealed the club’s supporters were delighted to discover their founder was Scottish.
“They always thought he was English, so they are happier to know he is Scottish,” he said. “Now whenever the club play you can see Scottish flags and shirts in the crowd. They are really interested and supportive of their roots.”
Councillor Paterson said: “It’s been an amazing day. They are so proud it was a Scot from Dingwall who founded their club. They were really excited about the visit to Ross County, Mr Barzan said his heart was beating ‘like a drum’ when he saw the stadium.”
She added: “We are very proud of one of one of our sons who has made such an impression in the Argentine.”
In a letter from Rosario president, Norberto Speciale, which introduced Mr Barzan, the club said they hoped that “in the near future, our two cities were twinned, not only by passion and heart (they already are) but also institutionally”.
Councillor Paterson said: “Twinning seems to have fallen by the wayside but we would certainly encourage a friendship and keep in touch.”
Rosario is the birthplace of Lionel Messi, the talismanic captain of the Argentinian national squad. On Sunday, he’s set to lead the side out on the biggest stage of all: the World Cup final, which they’ll contest with Germany.
