[nb 1] His father, Ian McAlpine, was a promising footballer whose career was disrupted by the Second World War, although he did sign for Dundee in 1946 and played for their reserve team.
He combined part-time football with a job at United chairman George Fox's accountancy firm until signing a professional contract in the close season of 1967.
[4] Initially third choice goalkeeper behind Donald Mackay and Sandy Davie, McAlpine spent most of the 1967–68 season on loan to Montrose, and came close to signing for them permanently.
[7] In October 1970, McAlpine came on as a substitute for the injured Mackay in a Fairs Cup tie against Sparta Prague to make his European debut and only his second competitive appearance overall.
[9] McAlpine was still in the team until knee surgery ruled him out for a spell in 1974, which meant Davie played in United's first Scottish Cup final appearance.
Another McAlpine penalty, in the final match away to Rangers, was missed, but United retained their Premier Division status with a goalless draw.
[5] Having won his place back from Bonetti, McAlpine was part of the United side that reached the club's first ever Scottish League Cup final in December 1979.
[18] McAlpine was dropped for a League Cup tie against Falkirk in August 1982, with reserve goalkeeper John Gardiner taking his place.
[16] United's league title success qualified the club for the 1983–84 European Cup, with McAlpine featuring in all eight matches as the team went on to reach the semi-finals.
He played one match on loan to Dunfermline Athletic in April 1986, shortly before it was announced that he would be leaving Dundee United at the end of the season after twenty years at the club.
[6][22] Intending to retire, McAlpine left Raith after two seasons but was asked to assist Celtic during a pre-season tour of Switzerland in July 1988, as cover for the injured Pat Bonner and Andy Murdoch.
[23] McAlpine has worked intermittently for Dundee United in various part-time capacities, including as a goalkeeping coach, in the commercial department and as a matchday host.
His son Kevin McAlpine was Scottish Amateur golf champion in 2006,[26] subsequently turning professional and later caddying for Lexi Thompson,[27] Amy Yang and Martin Laird.
[30] The lyrics of the song pay tribute to McAlpine's goalkeeping prowess as well as alluding to Grace Kelly's appearance as a spectator at Tannadice for a UEFA Cup tie against AS Monaco.