Shirt auction in memory of John

A SHIRT presented to a rising football star by former Arbroath manager John McGlashan is being auctioned to raise funds to boost research into motor neurone disease (MND).

Former Dundee player John died in January aged just 50 after a short battle with MND.

Having started his professional football career at Montrose, he went on to play for a host of clubs and later became manager at Gayfield.

John worked with youth charity Showcase the Street and other youth projects, and also volunteered for Barnardo’s during a spell between clubs during his playing career, driving a minibus for children with disabilities.

He played a pivotal role in the development of many young local footballers, one of whom was Dundee FC defender Kerr Waddell.

Kerr, now a 19-year-old first team player with the Dark Blues, was one of those mentored by John at Arbroath FC, and he presented the shirt to the youngster when he won his first contract at Dens Park.

Even when John left Dundee, he kept in touch with Kerr’s father Davie to find out about the youngster’s progress.

Kerr is now returning the shirt to Arbroath to be auctioned off to boost the fundraising efforts of Mr McGlashan’s sister-in-law Kimberly Carr, who is running the Great Women’s 10km Glasgow race in June to raise money and awareness of Motor Neurone Disease Scotland.

Arbroath FC has also included boardroom hospitality for two at their home match against Ayr United on March 3, when Kerr will present the winning bidder with the shirt.

The auction closes at 5pm on Monday and bids can be made by email at arbroathfcfacebook@gmail.com.

Kerr Waddell with the shirt.