Footballer auctions prized Celtic shirt for father’s hospice

A PROFESSIONAL footballer has announced plans to auction his most prized football memento in an effort to raise funds for the hospice where his dad passed away.

David Greenhill, 27, from Roseburn, who plays for Scottish Third Division side East Stirlingshire, is to sell off a signed jersey that was worn by Freddie Ljungberg on his Celtic debut.

He is hoping the shirt will help raise funds for St Columba’s Hospice, which cared for his father – Evening News sub-editor Colin Greenhill – before his death on Saturday.

David collected the shirt when he was playing for Berwick Rangers against the Glasgow giants at Shielfield Park in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup last year, with Celtic eventually winning 2-0.

Sports desk sub-editor Colin, a champion of the Evening News’ youths and amateur football coverage, passed away on Saturday evening, aged 57, having recently been diagnosed with cancer.

His lifelong passion was youth football and he coached in youth sections at Glenpark, Edinburgh City and Hutchison Vale, among others, and was the “voice of youth football” in the Evening News.

David said: “My dad received great care at St Columba’s Hospice before he passed away so I decided that I would like to auction my signed Ljungberg shirt and donate the money to the hospice.

“It’s my most prized memento from the game, but it’s worth it for my dad. Without him I would never be a footballer – he was the one who got me into the game and he encouraged me all the way.

“My plan is to get the shirt framed and auction it online along with the matchday programme. A friend of mine is a web designer and he’s going to help me put a website together.

“I expect the shirt to gain a lot of interest from both Celtic and Arsenal fans.”

Known fondly to his colleagues as “The Gadge” and a one-time “hot-metal man”, Colin began work with The Scotsman Publications Limited in 1971 and went on to work for The Scotsman and Scotland on Sunday as a journalist before joining the Evening News.

He is survived by his wife, Gillian, children Paul, David and Emma, and three grandchildren.

David Ramage, secretary of the Lothian and Edinburgh Amateur Football Association, said: “Colin was a great friend to the amateur football association and a great supporter for football in the area.”

“His heart was always in the game and think there would be a lot of interest in this shirt.

“He will be sadly missed by everyone he worked with.”

Those wishing to register an interest in bidding for the shirt are asked to contact David on 07810 272930.

A funeral service for Colin will be held at noon on Monday at Warriston Crematorium.

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