JUNIOR FOOTBALL

Tributes flood in for Juniors legend Franny

Arthurlie Juniors have joined a host of clubs paying tribute to former striker and West Division stalwart Franny McNeill.

The prolific ’Lie forward played for a number of clubs, including Petershill, Dalkeith Thistle and Pollok, where he became match secretary between 1992 and 2019.

He also served on the management committee of the West Region and acted as the club’s delegate to the Junior FA.

After a short illness, his passing has sent shockwaves through the Renfrewshire Junior ranks.

An Arthurlie tribute stated: “Everyone connected with Arthurlie Football Club is both shocked and saddened by the

news that our good friend and former player Franny McNeill has passed away.

“As well as being a prolific goalscorer with Arthurlie and Pollok, Franny never forgot his roots in Junior football and became an active member of Pollok’s football committee.

“Our sincere condolences to his family and all our friends at Pollok. He will be sadly missed by everyone associated with Junior football and is a great loss.”

Neilston also payed their respects to the popular former Pollok president on social media.

The club posted:“The club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Pollok‘s long-serving match secretary Franny McNeill. “Another stalwart of the game lost.

“Condolences from all at Brig O’Lea to Franny’s family, friends and all our friends at Newlandsfield.

“Rest in peace.”

The West Region of the Scottish Junior Football Association described Franny as a“real Junior man”.

A spokesman wrote:“Despite being unwell for a period, Franny soldiered on and got to as many meetings as he physically could.

“An outstanding example of a real Junior man who dedicated his life to helping others, either as a trade union representative or with the West Region and Scottish as a management representative.

“Simply put – a huge loss to the game.”