IT has settled more arguments than the referee's dreaded wee red card - yes, it's the Evening Times' Wee Red Book.

IT has settled more arguments than the referee's dreaded wee red card - yes, it's the Evening Times' Wee Red Book.

The tome of football knowledge is a fan's bible, crammed with every fact you could ever want or need to know about the beautiful game - and it's back for the new season.

Whether you want to know how many capped players have turned out for Dumbarton or who scored for the Old Firm in European ties in the 1980s, it's all contained in its pages.

And forget nine-in-a-row - this year marks the Wee Red Book's ninth decade.

The pocket-sized page-turner turns 81 this year.

First published in 1928, the little book, which is big on fixtures, facts and trivia, is as important to the fans as it is to those in football's hierarchy.

From the generals of the game, down through managers, players, referees and even amateurs who enjoy a kickabout on a Sunday afternoon, the Wee Red Book is an essential accessory.

Even the team at Hampden's Scottish Football Museum refer to it.

Curator Richard McBrearty said: "The Wee Red Book is an intrinsic part of Scottish football.

"We actually have copies of every Wee Red Book dating back to the 1950s here at the museum and we always have a copy of the latest edition in the office just to make sure we have our facts correct - or just to settle a debate!

"The early editions, especially the first edition, are collector's items."

Alan Brazil, the 13-times-capped Scotland-player-turned-football pundit, wouldn't be without his.

He may have gone on to a glittering career with Ipswich, Manchester United and Spurs but the Glasgow-born legend still remembers the influence the Wee Red Book had on a young football fan.

He said: "Back in Glasgow in the early 70s when I was living in the South Side, I always remember seeing the vendors on the street shouting Get your Wee Red Book here'.

"I remember having to scrape enough money together to buy one.

"Now I use it for work. If I need to know anything about a Scottish player, I'll refer to it. I'm always saying 'Oh I remember him'. It's very handy".

Former Scotland goalkeeper Alan Rough won't let his copy slip through his hands.

He said: "It's an absolutely cracking wee book. If you need a fact it's there."

The first edition of the Wee Red Book was published in 1928 and was originally called The Evening Times Football Annual.

There was no Wee Red Book from 1940-45 but as soon as football resumed after the War it was back on sale.

As well as full, detailed fixtures of all Scottish League and international matches, it also gives you a run down of all English Premiership League games and junior fixtures.

These days it also contains details of fixtures in the Scottish Women's Premier League.

Derek Johnstone	Alan Brazil	Ken Stott	Phil Differ

Evening Times columnist and Only An Excuse creator Phil Differ is spellbound by the Wee Red Book.

He said: "It's a football fan's Harry Potter.

"It seems to sell out really quickly. I've spent afternoons running from newsagent to newsagent and chased vendors down the street to get hold of a copy.

"I've bought them for as long as I can remember. I was at my mother's the other day and found copies from the 1960s.

"I remember buying them during the school holidays and we all used to quiz each other on who scored where and whether a goal was offside.

"Whenever anybody said anything ludicrous we threatened them with revealing the facts in the Wee Red Book."

And don't think it is only footballers or football writers who love it. Rebus star Ken Stott is an aficionados.

The diehard Hearts fan spent most of the 1990s in London and often asked other Scottish actors or writers to send him a copy.

He said: "If I couldn't make the games then I at least I liked to have something to do with Scottish football with me.

"I only managed to get up to Edinburgh about seven or eight times a season during those years so I needed to know when Hearts were playing at home."

As famous as a broadcaster as he was as a footballer, Evening Times columnist, Rangers legend and broadcaster Derek Johnstone is among the Wee Red Book's biggest fans.

He said: "It's an absolutely great thing and has been for at least as long as I've been involved in football.

"It's great to have close to hand when you're commentating on matches."

"It's an institution in itself."

• Pick up your copy of the Evening Times Wee Red Book from Evening Times street vendors and most newsagents from Monday, priced £3.50.