Yesterday there was two presentations made at Gayfield in memory of Angus Nairn.
This is a short note from Arbroath fan Dave Ramsay who was great friends with Angus.
“On Saturday 30th September a number of tributes were paid to the late Angus Nairn, who died aged 82 in August this year.
Angus was introduced to Arbroath Football Club at five years of age, and for the next 77 years was a loyal and fervent supporter of his Gayfield club.
His last attendance at Gayfield, was the friendly game against Bolton Wanderers at the start of this season, and Mike Caird, AFC Chairman, was pictured with Angus in his wheelchair, for the Lichties website.
On Saturday morning, Angus’s widow Zena, courtesy of the RNLI Arbroath lifeboat crew, was taken out to sea just off Gayfield, to scatter his ashes.
In the afternoon at a Boardroom ceremony at Gayfield, Zena and daughter Audrey, presented two new trophies in the form of silver Quaichs, to Chairman Mike Caird.
The Angus Nairn Memorial Trophy was sponsored by his football pals, Dave Ramsay, Charlie Wood and Stewart McDonald, and will be awarded annually, going to “The best newcomer to the Club in the current season.”
The John Christison AFC Trophy was sponsored by Angus from donations made at his funeral, and at the request of Zena. Angus had a high regard for John, as both were great supporters of good causes in the community, and John made various arrangements, continued by Mike Caird, to ensure that Angus could attend Gayfield as long as he was able.
This trophy will be awarded annually for “The significant contribution to Club or Community.”
The Scottish Football Association has previously commended AFC for the thoroughness by which they approach their “duty of care” to their elderly, frail supporters, and particularly those with life – limiting illnesses. As quoted by the SFA, “A true measure of a true community Club”
Mike Caird, AFC Chairman, and AFC Board member Douglas Bain, displayed the trophies to the fans before the game on Saturday, and Board member Gary Callan, gave a broadcast summary of the background leading to the presentation of two new, sponsored trophies being gifted to the Club.
Mike Caird said, “Arbroath Football Club are delighted to accept the 2 trophies on behalf of Angus’s family and friends which will be presented at the end of the season. It really is a very kind gesture and very much appreciated”
“Angus was a great supporter and a good friend of the club for many years and he will be greatly missed by everyone at Gayfield.”
“I was delighted that I got the opportunity to have a chat with Angus at the start of the season when despite his illness he managed to attend and enjoy our friendly matches.”
Dave Ramsay, said “Angus was a well – known figure in the community, where he ran dances, discos and bands for the community of Arbroath, and was a hard working President of the Arbroath branch of the Chest Heart and Stroke Association.
“He had a wide range of friends within the club and amongst the supporters, and we know from their comments that he is sadly missed. We felt that these gestures would help to keep his memory alive for his family, given the loyal Lichties supporter that he was, right to the very end.”
“By these gestures, we know that Angus was with us today.”
