Tragic footballer's father to lead Falkirk out at Hampden

Published on Saturday 30 May 2009 11:18

THE father of tragic Falkirk player Craig Gowans has spoken of the emotion of leading his son's former team out at Hampden for today's Scottish Cup Final.

John Gowans will join the Falkirk squad as teams from his former clubs, Hutchison Vale and Tynecastle, pay tribute to the youngster at a fundraising memorial match in Edinburgh.

Mr Gowans, of Blackhall, was called on by Falkirk boss John Hughes to lead the squad in memory of Craig, 17, who was killed in 2005 in a training ground accident.

He said: "It's going to be very emotional and there will probably be tears, but it's important to be there for Craig. I'm sure if things had been different he'd have been playing in that game."

Hughes asked Mr Gowans to join the squad after dedicating his team's progress to the teenager.

Scott Arfield and Tam Scobbie – who were apprentices with Craig at the time of his death – are expected to play against Rangers.

It is understood Craig's mother Sheila will join Mr Gowans at Hampden, though she will remain in the stand while he makes the emotional walk on to the pitch.

Mr Gowans said: "I'll be walking in what should have been Craig's footsteps.

"But there's nothing I wouldn't do to make sure Craig is not forgotten. He was a wonderful lad."

Craig was just a few weeks into his apprenticeship when tragedy struck. He had been asked to move a six-metre-high net for catching stray balls at the training ground in Grangemouth when one of its metal poles touched 11,000-volt overhead wires.

He was rushed to Falkirk Royal Infirmary but was dead on arrival. The club was fined 4,000 for failing to ensure his safety.

Mr Gowans had faced a dilemma surrounding the offer to join his son's former teammates at the cup final – it clashed with the memorial trophy match.

However, kick-off time for the second Craig Gowans Memorial Trophy was brought forward to allow the family to attend.

Among ex-players in the event at Saughton Enclosure will be Gary Mackay, Mickey Weir, Darren Jackson, Danny Lennon and Gordon Marshall.

The match will raise cash for Edinburgh Sick Kids Hospital and children's hospice CHAS.

The fun begins at 11am. Entry is 2 for adults, 1 for children.