Legend lives on in Perth homes Willie Coburn’s family visit Muirton housing
The family of St Johnstone footballer Willie Coburn including brother Jack visit the house in Muirton named after him PICTURE: CRAIG STEPHEN Three generations of a former St Johnstone player’s family visited a Perth housing development named after him.
Relatives of Willie Coburn - who died in December 2015 - toured the Muirton housing development, where the showhome has been named in honour of the legendary Saints player.
All 12 types of housing in the development, which is being delivered by Urban Union, Caledonia Housing Association and Fairfield Housing Cooperative, will take the name of St Johnstone players following a competition.
The house names will include Sergei Baltacha, Alan Main, Paul Cherry, David Wotherspoon, Steve Maskrey, Steven Anderson, Roddy Grant, Jim Weir, Dave Mackay, George O’Boyle and current Saints manager Tommy Wright.
On visiting the showhome, Willie’s daughter Lorraine, said: “When I found out about the competition I made sure to spread the word far and wide and make sure at least one of the houses would carry dad’s name.
“It’s just lovely to think that so many people nominated him and they still love and remember him. It’s just part of him that’s here which is so significant considering the years he spent playing football at Muirton Park. For us as a family it’s wonderful that his memory lives on.
“The houses are lovely and I know he’s with us today in spirit to see what’s been done and he’d be fairly chuffed. He used to say that he’d love for a street to be named after him when he passed away, so even though he’s not got a street I’m delighted he’s now got a house in his honour. He was a great man and what’s so nice is that he knew how well loved and respected he was by the whole family and the local community.”
Jean Coburn, Willie’s wife, added: “Willie was so well known in this area from his work with the youth club and as a St Johnstone player, he really was in with the bricks. Every time I used to take him into town I would just leave him on the street as I went about my business as it would always take so long to go down the road because so many people would want to stop and talk to Willie.
“He would be fairly proud of this and I’m glad the family can get together to see what has been built in his name.”
Lorraine and Jean were joined on the day at the Muirton housing development by Jack Coburn (Willie’s brother and former city centre councillor), and Willie’s two grandchildren Cameron (13) and Ewan (11), who are both keen footballers themselves.