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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Leona Greenan

Tributes pour in for long standing Blantyre Vics stalwart after sudden death on holiday

Tributes have been paid to a long-standing Blantyre Vics stalwart after his sudden death on holiday last week.

Andy McDade suffered a heart attack whilst in Malaga, Spain, last Friday evening with his wife Margaret.

The 73-year-old dedicated 40 years of his life to various roles on the football club's committee, with those closest to him often joking that the Vics were his family.

Over the years Andy even conjured up jobs for his doting wife at the club, including washing and laundering the strips after every match.

And, if family visited their home and found Andy and Margaret to be out, their next port of call was the Vics' Castle Parks ground, with the couple down at their beloved football club every day.

When news of his death broke, hundreds of tributes were paid to the well-kent and respected father-of-two.

Those at Blantyre Vics Football Club were devastated to learn of his passing, with a statement reading: "The club are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of club stalwart Andy McDade.

Blantyre Vics secretary Andy McDade (left) handed over the reins to successor Duncan Sinclair in 2013 but remained at the club. (David Bell)

"After almost four decades of service to the club, Andy spent 23 years as club secretary as well as club president.

"Our deepest condolences go out to his family at this sad time."

During Monday evening's Blantyre Vics game at home to Cumnock, Andy was remembered with a caricature placed on a chair in the boardroom, followed by a minute's silence observed by players, staff, fans and Andy's family.

A special tribute pullout piece in the match programme was also organised for the club's biggest fan.

The club later posted a thank you to everyone for their condolences following the news of Andy's passing and told fans that all messages and comments would be passed onto his heartbroken family.

Those at nearby Rutherglen Glencairn also paid tribute to Andy, saying: "This is very sad news.

Andy (second from left) unveiling the Vics new stadium name (Hamilton Advertiser)

"Our thoughts are with the family at this time. When I arrived at the club in 2006, along with the new under-19s, Andy was a great help - he was always there for us no matter what.

"He was Mr Blantyre and will be a great loss to Margaret his family, friends and all in football.

"RIP Andy you were top man."

Blantyre Councillor Mo Razzaq added: "Very sorry to hear this, deepest condolences to McDade family."

And Darvel Football Club posted: "So sorry to hear this about Andy.

"Thoughts are with all at Blantyre and his family."

His son Greig thanked the local community and wider football community for their messages of condolence.

He told Lanarkshire Live : "He was such a wonderful husband, dad, papa and all round good guy. We are all devasted at his passing.

"Myself and my brother, Alan, and all our family, would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their kind words and the support we have been given at this difficult time.

"We would also like to thank all at Blantyre Vics and the Vics Youth Club for their support and lovely messages we have been sent.

"We have been completely touched by them all and it's lovely to hear how well thought of dad was not only in Blantyre but also in the football scene too."

Andy is survived by his wife of 49 years Margaret, their sons Greig and Alan and grandchildren Ellis, Cassi, Abby and Calum.

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