Tributes have poured in for Vale of Leven football legend and much-loved Dumbarton landlord Drew Busby, who passed away aged 74 on Friday.
Drew was a familiar face throughout the area as landlord of The Waverley Bar in West Bridgend, and was regarded as one of the greatest players ever to wear the maroon of Hearts, the navy of Vale of Leven and the diamond of Airdrie.
Busby also had his name in the Scottish football history books as the scorer of Third Lanark’s final goal. In a game against Dumbarton in 1967.
In a statement on social media, his family said The Waverley would not be the same anymore.
They wrote: “The Busby family are saddened to say that our amazing dad/husband and papa Drew Busby passed away this morning, surrounded by his family and wee Meg the dog at home.
“We are very much in mourning but appreciate all your kind words and thoughts. Drew Busby, Hearts legend.
“The Waverley will never be the same.”
Punters and former staff members flooded the comments with their memories.
Andy McFall said: “It was the greatest pleasure to work alongside the great man for a few years in my late teens and early twenties.
“Some of my happiest memories of those prime years were in that pub with Drew at the heart of everything that was going on.
“Drew helped bring a shy teenager out of his shell when he gave me the chance to work behind the bar.
“Ultimately, Drew’s greatest gift to me was helping to set me up with my wife, Emma, who also worked behind the bar at that time. I’ll be forever grateful to him for that.”
And Roddy MacKenzie said: “As a sportsman Drew was as competitive as they come, but as a man he was soft and caring, always looking out for you. I have some wonderful memories of our times together, until we meet again Buzz, RIP.”
Vale of Leven treasurer Angus Wallace said: “The club was very sad to hear of the passing of our former player Drew Busby.
“Our sincere condolences go out to his family, he was a true local legend of the game.
“Drew was my footballing hero growing up supporting the club.
“I have many fond memories of his goalscoring exploits at Millburn with his record breaking 57 goals in season 1969-70 as Vale won the league, Evening Times Championship Trophy and Erskine Cup wins. RIP Drew.”
On their official Twitter, Hearts posted: “Heart of Midlothian Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the legendary Drew Busby.
“We offer our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the late, great Drew.”
Supporters inundated the club with messages paying tribute to the ‘Buzzbomb’.
One said: “One of my first Hearts heroes growing up at a time when there were some challenges for the club on and off the pitch.
“He gave some memorable moments but the 2 goals against Celtic will always stand out for me. RIP Drew.”
Whilst another added: “What a guy he was. I’ve never met a man speak more passionately about a club they’ve played for. He even had a scrapbook of all his old headlines.”
Born in Glasgow in 1947, Drew was an Alexandria lad at heart.
When he left Vale of Leven Academy he enjoyed a brief spell as an apprentice with Coventry City, but returned north and started work as a machine assembler while also playing football for Dumbarton United.
His performances caught the eye of Third Lanark, following their demise he had a short stint with Partick Thistle before joining hometown club Vale of Leven Juniors.
Busby was a revelation in his three years at Millburn, which culminated with him scoring a record breaking 57 goals in the club’s 1969-70 campaign.
Drew’s performances led to a move back into the senior game with Airdrieonians in June 1970.
During this time he formed a much-feared striking partnership with Drew Jarvie and the pair helped the Airdrie club to reach the Texaco Cup Final in 1972.
Following the Diamonds’ relegation from the top division, Hearts brought Busby to Tynecastle in May 1973 for a then club-record fee of £35,000.
Busby’s committed and hardworking style made him a huge favourite with Jambos, as he netted 90 goals in 277 appearances across six years in Gorgie.
He was a key member of the squad that took part in the European Cup Winners Cup, scoring in a home victory over Lokomotive Leipzig and also netting in the next round against Hamburger SV.
Following Hearts’ shock relegation in 1977 he played a key role in returning the club to the top flight, before leaving following a second relegation in 1979 to try his hand in Canada with Toronto Blizzard.
After two seasons in Canada, Drew played for Greenock Morton and became player-manager of Queen of the South before moving into the licensed trade when he took over The Waverley in Dumbarton.
He is a member of the Hall of Fame at both Airdrieonians and Hearts, and was voted as one of the Edinburgh club’s most popular players of all time by fans.
