Hundreds mourn SFA and Motherwell’s Dickie

FIGURES from the world of football gathered yesterday to pay tribute to Motherwell vice-chairman Bill Dickie.

Dickie chairman of the club between 2003 and 2008 and was a former president of the Scottish Football Association. The father-of-two, who died aged 82 last week, was also an architect and personally designed two of the stands at Fir Park.

Yesterdaydozens of famous football faces joined mourners at St John’s Parish Church in Hamilton to hear Dickie described as a “gentleman”. His children Douglas and Pamela were joined by their mother Isabel as the Motherwell youth and reserve teams arrived at the church.

They were also joined by former club chairman John Boyle, Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell, and current Fir Park manager Stuart McCall.

Mourners also included former Scotland managers Andy Roxburgh and Craig Brown, Archie Knox, Tommy McLean, former top referee Hugh Dallas and SPL chief Neil Doncaster.

Motherwell club captain Stephen Craigan, midfielder Keith Lasley and Stevie Kirk, a member of the Steelmen’s 1991 Scottish Cup-winning side, were pallbearers at the service, which was led by Reverend Georgina Baxendale, who told over 500 friends and family how she had lost a dear friend.

She said: “Bill gave 100 per cent to his career, 100 per cent to his charity work, and 100 per cent to his beloved Motherwell Football Club.

“He was a very religious man. He would never miss his prayers, especially on a Saturday afternoon. His life wasn’t quite a journey to the Emerald City, but a pilgrimage to Fir Park in the claret and amber brigade. Bill was a gentleman and a true friend.”

Floral tributes left included wreaths Motherwell, Celtic and Mr Dickie’s family. A claret and amber wreath read: “Gone from our club, your memory will stay. Always remembered in every way. From players, management and staff at MFC.”

On Saturday Motherwell’s home game against Inverness saw fans hold a minute’s silence in honour of Mr Dickie.

Speaking earlier Motherwell chief executive Leeann Dempster, said: “Everyone is devastated by Bill’s sudden passing.”

Campbell Ogilvie, president of the SFA said: “He will be much missed by all who knew him.”

The funeral was followed by a private burial at Airbles Cemetery in Motherwell.