A famous Buddie who played in goal for St Mirren has sadly died, his family have confirmed.
Pat Liney, who also played a vital role in Dundee FC’s 1962 First Division winning season, has passed away at the age of 86.
Linwood born and bred, Pat enjoyed a distinguished career in the beautiful game as he starred for the Saints, as well as a host of other clubs, including Bradford City.
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He left St Mirin’s Academy in Paisley in 1941 and signed for Junior outfit Dalry Thistle. His dream of representing St Mirren almost escaped him after he was forced to cancel a trial with the club after injuring himself in a cup tie for Dalry the night before.
However, his big break would come later when Willie Thornton signed Pat for Dundee in 1957 where, in 1962, with club level on points with Rangers he saved a penalty in the penultimate game of the season with Dundee 1-0 up, helping the club to claim their first and only league title.
Following that season, Pat was signed by St Mirren and he was able to attend the stadium he had visited every week as a kid, as a player.
Pat’s niece Lesley Ramage said of her uncle “a nicer guy, you could not meet”.
She continued: “He was just so full of stories. He was very, very kind, and always went out of his way for people. He always had time for everybody.”
He will be remembered not only as an important football player in the history of the game, but also as a family man and great entertainer.
Lesley continued: “You could sit and listen to his stories all night, and not only that, but he was a great singer as well. Any family parties you could always get him to sing a song.”
Later in his life, Pat would go on to become honorary president of Dundee F.C and he was able to visit the club one last time three weeks ago.
“You would think, what with all the younger fans now, nobody would remember him, but they all know of him because he’s been around the club.” Said Lesley.
The Dens Park club issued the following statement as news of his death spread: ““Everyone at Dundee Football Club was devastated to learn of the passing of Honorary Club President and 1962 Scottish League championship winning goalkeeper Pat Liney at the age of 86.”
“Pat Liney is not only a Dundee FC goalkeeping great but also a bona fide Dark Blue legend, a Scottish League title winner, Club President, a DFC Hall of Fame inductee, a great singer and an absolute gentleman.
“The thoughts of everyone at the Kilmac Stadium are with Pat’s friends and family at this extremely sad time.”
Following his time at St Mirren, Pat would go on to play for Bradford Park Avenue in 1966 before signing for their crosstown rivals Bradford City in 1967, earning promotion from the English Fourth Division in 1968–69. In 1972 he returned to Bradford Park Avenue, where he retired one year later.
In 2011, he became the first ever goalkeeper inducted into Dundee’s Hall of Fame.
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