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Doctor Who David Tennant has done some time travelling into his own past and discovered his grandfather
was a goal-machine footballer.
The Scots Timelord has signed up to appear in the next series of the BBC's genealogy
hit Who Do You Think You Are?
And while going back to his roots to research his family tree he discovered that his
grandfather Archie McLeod was a star of the 1930s.
A former Scotland junior international, Archie learned his trade
at Partick Thistle before joining Irish club Derry City in 1934.
His signing caused a stir as Derry's £5-a-week wages
were far more than most Scottish clubs could afford.
The stylish forward, renowned for his slicked-back hair, became
an idol for the Irish League team.
He hit a hat-trick on his debut and went on to score an incredible 169 goals in
only five seasons.
During his spell in Ireland he helped Derry lift their first major honour - the City Cup - in 1935
and smashed in a record 54 goals in the 1935/36 season.
He later returned to Glasgow to work in the shipyards and
bring up his family which included David's mother Helen.
Yesterday Helen said: "I do not really remember my father
as being a footballer.
"He died when I was a teenager.
"He had a career in Scotland but it was in Derry where
he really made a name for himself and is most fondly remembered.
"I am not really into football but from what I heard
about him he was a great goalscorer."
Last week David, 35, returned to the scene of his grandfather's triumphs as
he travelled to Derry to watch the team in action.
He was spotted in several bars before making his way to Derry's
Brandywell Stadium to enjoy the Candystripes' 3-0 league victory over Bray Wanderers.
Derry City chairman Jim Roddy
said that the actor was very proud of his roots.
He said: "When word got out he was at the match a few of the lads
got quite a shock and could not believe it.
"But he was a quiet, decent fellow who was obviously very proud of his
roots.
"I think he was humbled by the whole experience."
Who Do You Think You Are? will return for its third
run in the autumn on BBC1.
Tennant will follow in the footsteps of other celebrities such as Jeremy Paxman and Stephen
Fry, who have all explored their pasts in previous series.
A BBC spokeswoman confirmed Tennant's involvement in the
show, but said details of his research were to remain a secret.
David, of Bathgate, West Lothian is the son of former
Church of Scotland moderator Rev Sandy McDonald.
Source: The Daily Star
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