Former Dundee United player Charlie Adam senior dies suddenly

TRIBUTES were yesterday paid to former Dundee United player Charlie Adam snr following his tragic death at the age of 50 at his home in Dundee.

Mr Adam, whose son Charlie Adam jnr is a Scottish international footballer and Stoke City player, died suddenly at his home in the city’s Fintry area on Monday night. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Mr Adam, a midfield player who was also a striker for a spell, also played for Partick Thistle and Brechin City during his career as a professional footballer. His younger son Grant is a goalkeeper with St Mirren and is currently on loan to Airdrie.

A spokeswoman for Tayside Police said: “Tayside Police were called to Grampian Gardens, Dundee, about 6:30pm on Monday following the death of a 50 year-old man. The deceased has been confirmed as former professional football player Charles Adam snr who played for Dundee United.

“There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident and as with all sudden deaths a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”

She added: “Charlie’s family have asked for their privacy to be respected at this time.”

A spokesman for Dundee United led the tributes to the popular former midfield player.

He said: “Dundee United is saddened to learn of the death of former player Charlie Adam. Charlie was not only a great footballer but a great character within the city of Dundee and he will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad and difficult time.”

Stoke City, his son’s club, also issued a short statement regarding the death of their star’s father. A club spokesman said: “All our thoughts are with Charlie and his family at this difficult time. Out of respect to the family, players and staff at the club will not be making any press comment over the Christmas period.”

Tributes to Mr Adam were also paid on fans’ websites on various social networking sites.

One Dundee United fan posted: “Played against him a lot and was a top player and a good lad. May God bless him.”

Another United fan wrote: “Regardless of how he died, think it’s a tragedy that a United player at such a young age has passed. Feel awful for Charlie junior and has family. Knew him to speak to – always a gentleman.”

Mr Adam began his footballing career with local Dundee junior side Downfield and entered senior football as a member of the St Johnstone team in 1985. He then spent three years at Brechin City before moving to Dundee United in 1989.

He later played for Partick Thistle and Forfar Athletic before ending his career at Arbroath in 1994.

Jim Mclean, the former Dundee United manager recalled in an interview last year after Charlie Adam jnr was first signed by Liverpool : “Charlie’s dad might have turned out an even better player if he hadn’t wasted his talent by not applying himself properly to the job of being a dedicated professional.

“I signed Charlie Adam snr for Dundee United in 1989 and thought I had found a gem. He’d been playing as a striker with Brechin but I saw something in him that made me think he’d be ideal for us in.

“Like his boy, he had the sweetest left foot and a terrific range of passing. He was bigger than young Charlie is and wasn’t afraid to use his physique. – in other words, he didn’t mind putting himself about.”