Ian Stirling
Everyone at Arbroath Football Club have been left saddened by the news that former Arbroath FC Captain, Chairman and Hall of Fame inductee Ian Stirling has passed away.
The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with Ian’s Family and friends at this difficult time.
Ian Stirling signed for Arbroath as a 17 year-old in July 1960 from Arbroath Lads Club. He became club Captain at 21 years-old and he would go on to make 380 League, League Cup and Scottish Cup appearances, scoring 41 goals before retiring in 1971.
His league appearance total is the third highest post war behind Tom Cargill and Steve Florence.
Stirling started life as a striker and in season 1961-1962 scored 20 goals from 26 league appearances. He was later converted to a centre half but chipped in with regular goals, often from the penalty spot.
One of the highlights of his career, he says, was grabbing a hat-trick against Ayr United. Other highlights included playing against Celtic in the Scottish Cup in 1967.
He said: “This was a few months before Celtic went on to win the European Cup. We lost 4-0 at Parkhead but I thought we did quite well given how good a side Celtic were while we were just part-timers. One of the best players I came up against was Bertie Auld while Alex Ingram of Ayr United was always an awkward guy to play against. The best team-mates I had were Tom Cargill and Allan Kennedy as they were half backs alongside me for many years.”
Stirling was Captain of the promotion winning side in 1967-1968. He said: “That was a great experience but we were relegated after just one season.
Albert Henderson was manager during most of Stirling’s time at the club. He said:”Albert was a pleasant man. Everyone got on well with him and I enjoyed playing under him.”
Ian Stirling retired when he was 28 because of business and family commitments but he subsequently joined the club committee and served as Chairman from 1979 until 1987.
Ian of course is known all around Arbroath and Angus from his farm at Dickmontlaw, one of the most recognisable landmarks seen from all over Arbroath.
Current Arbroath FC Chairman Mike Caird said “Ian, who was a familiar face in the boardroom for many years was an absolute gentleman. He had great knowledge of the game and took pleasure in the success of his football club. He will be sorely missed by everyone.”
The thoughts of everyone at the club and from our supporters all over the world go out to his family, his wife, Florence and their children – Peter, Lisa, Emma, Katie, Guy and Nicola.
Rest in Peace Ian
