Hearts 'Iron Man' Cumming to be honoured

HEARTS legend John Cumming is to have a purpose-built sports arena named in his honour in his native town of Carluke.

The new 3.5 million John Cumming Stadium will open later this year as a fitting memorial to the town's greatest ever footballer.

Cumming, known as "The Iron Man" during his Tynecastle days, died from Alzheimer's disease in December 2008 aged 78 following an illustrious career. He represented Carluke Rovers and Hearts, where he won two league titles, four League Cups and a Scottish Cup during the club's halcyon period of the 1950s and 60s. He also had nine Scotland international caps.

His relatives are overwhelmed that his name will live on in the area. "Having the sports arena named after John is a tremendous honour," said his widow, Jane.

"Councillor Eileen Logan phoned my daughter Jean Laird a few weeks after John's death. Eileen asked Jean how I would feel about calling the arena The John Cumming Stadium, Carluke, and Jean told her that I'd be over the moon. "I've since told Eileen that it was such a nice gesture on her part."

John's grandson Andrew said: "We could not think of a better memorial for him. His happiest moments in life came from playing football and helping the local community."