Obituary: Sam Hastings, footballing stalwart of Hamilton Accies and Clyde

Samuel Laidlaw Hastings, footballer. Born: 18 February 1940 in Kelloholm, Dumfriesshire. Died: 6 April 2020, aged 80

Sam Hastings (Picture: Courtesy Clyde FC)

Sam Hastings, who has died aged 80, was a talented and highly regarded Scottish footballer who between 1957 and 1972 played almost 500 games, initially for Hamilton Accies in the lower tier and thereafter for Clyde in the top tier.

A fast, elusive winger with an eye for goal, he was a reliably consistent performer and highly valued teammate. In 2014 he and his Clyde teammates were inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame in recognition of their outstanding achievement in the 1966/67 season when the side, all part timers, clinched 3rd place in the old First Division behind Celtic and Rangers.

That, of course, was the year Celtic became the first British club to win the European Cup while rivals Rangers lost the final of the European Cup Winners’ Cup, after extra time, to German giants Bayern Munich.

Underlining the calibre of that Clyde team in which Hastings was a vital cog it is noteworthy that only a few weeks before these European finals, Clyde held both to draws, Celtic in a Scottish Cup semi final and Rangers in the League at Ibrox.

Sam was born in Kelloholm, Dumfriesshire, the youngest of three sons of David and Mary. He, Walter and David were brought up in the village’s Anderson Street, his father employed in the then vibrant local pits.

After attending the local primary school, he went to Sanquhar Academy where his good form for the school team led to his signing for local junior side Nithsdale Wanderers. By now also employed in the coal industry, his displays on the left wing for Wanderers attracted the attention of Hamilton Accies, who signed him aged 17.

He made his debut on 9 March 1957 against Stenhousemuir away in a 2-2 draw, while his first home game came a week later in a 5-0 win against Alloa, marked by his first goal for the club.

He clearly impressed in his first full season, 1957/8, as he recorded the highest number of appearances, 36, while claiming 13 goals. Thereafter he was a first team regular with one highlight being an appearance in a League Cup semi-final against Kilmarnock in 1960.

In total he played about 190 games and scored 60 goals for Accies, where teammates included Jim McLean, later one of Scotland’s most successful managers.

In 1964 Clyde manager John Prentice signed him for the Shawfield outfit as he built a team for the club’s return to the old First Division, Sam’s debut coming against Arbroath on 12 August 1964 when a press report noted “Clyde were well served by Sam Hastings”.

Over the next eight seasons, during which he played 290 games and scored 59 goals, he was a valued member of the team whose contribution was much appreciated by fans and fellow players alike.

Recently teammate Dick Staite commented: “He was an important part of our attack, creating opportunities for others to score. In many ways he was like the wing back of the present day, unselfishly covering back, resolute with great stamina and giving others an ‘out’ ball. His role was absolutely integral to the success of that 1967 team.”

During that season his worth to the team was reflected in his 41 appearances out of a total 49 games. The campaign ought to have seen Clyde qualify to take part in Europe in the Fair Cities Cup, the precursor to the UEFA Cup, but the “one city one team” rule meant Rangers took precedence with Clyde left to rue what might have been as replacement Dundee reached the semi-final.

One very enjoyable consolation was a summer tour with Clyde to the then Rhodesia in 1969. Following Clyde’s relegation in 1972 Sam was freed, spelling the end of his top level career. He wed Kay, with whom he had children Lindsay and Euan, but the marriage ended in divorce.

Thereafter, through work in Kirkintilloch where he was a Safety Officer, he met Margaret, a secretary, whom he married in Bishopbriggs on 21 March 1975.

The couple enjoyed a long and happy marriage during which they had twins, Ross and Graham.

By this time Sam was working in sales for Whitbreads the brewers, but in 1977 the couple moved to Adelaide, where their sons were born and Sam was player/coach with Elizabeth City FC.

Periods of living in Scotland and Australia then followed. Here Sam became Territory Manager in sales for Bell’s Whisky, involved mostly in Glasgow and Central Belt and often in hospitality activities.

This included conducting informative distillery tours where his public speaking skills and sense of humour were much appreciated. Another regular event was organising celebrities to break giant-sized charity whisky bottles full of coins and on one occasion he was delighted to do so with Sir Stanley Matthews, his hero. In 1998 Sam took early retirement.

While in Australia he developed an interest in fine wine, becoming President of his local wine club, and he maintained that interest here. Other interests included most sports, gardening and reading, while he also enjoyed following politics.

The couple returned here for good in 2017 as Sam had developed various health issues, latterly becoming resident in a Hamilton care home where family were able to share a celebration on his 80th birthday.

His main interest was his family and he adored his grandchildren. He is remembered as a loving husband, very proud father, loyal friend and someone who was quick witted and excellent company.

He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren Rachel, Sophie, Christopher, Greta, Sam and Grace

JACK DAVIDSON