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Douglas hits back at Brown

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Rab Douglas is ready to give his side of his explosive fall out with John Brown.

In February 2013 Brown replaced Barry Smith and it quickly became clear that the keepers days were numbered.

The new boss at Dens Park has never been known for his diplomatic skills and was soon on a collision course with Douglas.

After dropping Douglas in March 2013 Brown told the Daily Record: “The situation is that big Rab in the last two games has done a great job despite being handicapped. He’s only been 50 per cent fit.

Big Rab over the years has played a big part at this club and I don’t want anyone tainting that.

I spoke to Rab in the morning. You could see he was hurting but I have to make a decision. Do I play a keeper who can’t kick the ball out and can’t take back-passes?

It just pins us back. So I’ve brought in another keeper which takes a bit of pressure off Rab.

Rab could only throw the ball and I had to address that.

He has been outstanding and we’ve picked up four points in the last two games since he’s been injured. Rab is a big part of this club now and into the future.”

Three months later Brown’s attitude had changed dramatically, he told the Daily Record: “If any manager comes to me for advice about signing him, I would tell them to be wary of employing him.

Here’s why – he didn’t have the decency to tell me he was recording everything that was said in that room and for me, that is a betrayal of trust that is unforgivable.

I wouldn’t have had a problem with him taping what was said if he’d told me in advance.

I had done nothing wrong and was only acting in the best interests of Dundee FC by bringing in a fit goalkeeper for a crucial derby against Dundee United.

But by not telling me he was recording our conversation, that only proves he cannot be trusted and I feel it is important that people know he acted in such an underhand manner. You can’t trust the guy and I wouldn’t want anyone at my club who I couldn’t trust.”

By doing a Craig Whyte and recording his conversation with Brown, Douglas has the upper hand in the matter despite the two versions.

Despite having his character and reputation trashed in public the keeper went on to play over 70 games for Forfar and this season at the age of 45 he appeared for Arbroath against Queens Park at HampdeN.

Brown is now a key member of Mark Allen’s Ibrox scouting network.

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