The sweary legend of Scottish football
Clubs across the country mourn loss of maverick manager
TRIBUTES to football legend John Lambie flowed last night after it was announced he had died, aged 77.
The charismatic boss had four stints in charge of Partick Thistle but was popular throughout the Scottish game and also managed Hamilton Accies and Falkirk.
Lambie – known for his love of cigars and pigeon racing – became famous for his colourful language and tough management style.
He broke the UK record for the amount of swearing in a TV documentary when he featured in BBC fly-on-the-wall programme Grasping The Thistle.
He retired from football management in 2005 and joined the SNP to help with a council election drive but stopped short of seeking office.
He said: “I’m an out-and-out Scot but when it comes to politics, I’m thick.”
Lambie, a full-back, started his playing career with Falkirk in 1958. He made 199 appearances before moving to St Johnstone in 1969. He went on to play more than 100 times for the Perth club.
After coaching at St Johnstone and Hibs, he started his management career at Hamilton in 1984 and knocked Graeme Souness’s Rangers out of the Scottish Cup, winning 1-0 at Ibrox in 1987. He moved to the manager’s office at Partick Thistle in 1988 but returned to Hamilton a year later.
Lambie returned to Partick for a second spell in 1990 and guided the Jags to the Premier League in 1992. He ended his managerial career with two more spells in charge at Firhill.
Lambie and his ex-wife had three daughters and he lived in Bathgate, West Lothian.
Tributes to him were paid across Scottish football.
Partick Thistle said: “We are deeply saddened to learn that our former manager, hall of fame inductee and Thistle legend John has passed away. The thoughts of everyone associated with the club are with John’s family and friends.”
A Hamilton spokesman said: “I don‘t know how John would have coped with transfer windows. Players were always coming and going and his most-used quote to chairmen was, ‘I still need a couple of players’. An incredible man.”
A Falkirk statement said: “All at Falkirk FC are sad to hear of the passing of John.”
St Johnstone said: “The club is deeply saddened to hear of John’s passing.”