Tribute paid to ex-ref Bill, 87
Warm tributes have been paid to former Perth football referee Bill Young, who has died at the age of 87.
After leaving Balhousie Boys’ School, Bill – known as Willie – embarked on farm work before taking up a post with Dewar’s Whisky in Perth. He stayed with the firm until ‘retiring’ at the age of 58.
After a short period without working, Bill began a seasonal job as a leisure assistant at Dewars Rink. He remained in that position until the age of 80 when ill-health forced him to give it up.
Away from work, Bill was a hugely popular figure in local and national football circles. The beautiful game was his passion and he was the man in the middle in the Perth area from the 1960s until the 1980s, mostly taking charge of juvenile games.
He refereed a number of juvenile cup finals including the East of Scotland Cup final of 1974/75, a Scottish Under 18s Cup final, Under 13 Shield final in 1986/87, PJFL League Cup final in 1982/83, PAFA Cup final 1986/87, Juvenile Association Scottish Cup final 1973/74, SJFA Under 14s final 1980/81, Scottish Juvenile Cup 1970/71 and PJFA Cup final in 1975/76. There was also a fourth official appearance at a Scotland versus Wales Under 15 match on April 4, 1987.
After handing over his cards for a final time in his sixties, Bill began bowling and played at Darnhall, Bridge of Earn and Needless Road, where he won a number of triples trophies.
Former work colleague Dougie Yeats said he would always be grateful to Bill for igniting his own passion for refereeing.
Dougie said: “He was a stickler
Referee Bill Young, centre, before starting a game at Jeanfield Swifts’ground
for discipline and cracked down hard on players who showed dissent or threatened his authority by questioning his competency of decision-making.”
“He was a Glasgow Rangers supporter, but never broadcast it and one of his proudest moments was when he was a linesman at a match at Simpson Park which involved Jeanfield Swifts and a Rangers Select.
“And while he was reluctant to referee unofficial football matches, he decided to accept an invitation to referee a game involving Dewar’s who played in the DCL League.
“Obviously the Dewar’s players, most of whom were workmates, were expecting a few favours from Bill, but none were forthcoming.
“This led to a few players voicing an opinion with eventually two players being dismissed. Bill was never asked back!”
Bill is survived by wife Lena, daughter Carolyn, son-in-law James and granddaughter Rachel. The funeral will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, April 18, at Perth Crematorium.