Stirling Observer

Tributes paid to a beloved mentor

- CHRIS MARZELLA

Warm tributes have been paid to a much-loved former Stirling High teacher and Stirling Albion coach who died on Friday.

David Eccles sadly passed away following a tragic cycling accident.

Stirling man David was a chief invigilato­r and principal teacher of chemistry at Stirling High and worked as a goalkeepin­g coach with Stirling Albion and played as an amateur at Doune Castle and Bannockbur­n.

Among the tributes paid came from Stirling Albion chairman Stuart Brown, who was a friend for more than 50 years. He said that the common themes of everyone who knew him were “respect, admiration and affection”, adding that his untimely passing has “brought great sadness to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him, across a wide range of walks of life”.

He added: “On behalf of the club board and indeed everyone across the Stirling Albion family, I extend condolence­s to his wife Margaret, his daughter Joanne and other family members, at this difficult time. Our thoughts are with them all.

“I have known David since our days at the High School of Stirling and as two years my elder and already an imposing figure, I held him in awe, tinged with no little fear!

“As his journey through life progressed, I suspect I was far from being alone! David displayed a rare mix of character – quiet by nature but powerful of voice, unassuming and humble, but larger than life.

“Although our friendship goes back over 50 years, there are others better placed to provide comment on his long associatio­n with Stirling Albion. I’ve no doubt the words and sentiments that follow will resonate with everyone who was privileged to be a part of David’s lifelong football adventure.

“David wi l l forever be remembered and always missed, in and around Forthbank Stadium and indeed across the wider Scottish football fraternity.”

In 1995, Albion made the decision to join the Scottish Football League Youth Developmen­t Initiative and David was appointed nted goalkeepin­g coach.

He was a loyal servant to Stirling Albion and over the next 25 years he helped in the developmen­t of goalkeeper­s who represente­d the club.

Former Everton and Binos goalkeeper Iain Turner was the first of his many successful protégés. A string of other keepers followed, either to play regular first-team football or to provide cover for the first team. Scott Christie, Cammy Binnie, Ronan Fallens and Callum Law all benefited from David’s profession­alism and precision as they pursued a career in profession­al football.

David was one of the first coaches in Scotland to achieve his UEFA A Licence for goalkeepin­g. As a young man, he was selected to play for the Scottish Amateur FA, was also involved with manager Allan Moore’s firstteam squad in promotion-winning campaigns.

He worked as a teacher at Stirling High for his entire career and ran a successful table tennis club for many years and in the 1990s became involved in school football. He went on to become president of Forth Valley Schools’ FA and joined the Scottish Schools’ FA Council.

Eventually, he became the goalkeepin­g coach for the National Schoolboy teams at U15 U15, U16 and U18 level. In this role he worked with many keepers who still play top-level football or have only recently retired – including Rangers and Scotland’s Allan Mcgregor and former Albion keeper Callum Reidford.

Stirling High School took to social media to pay tribute, saying: “Mr Eccles served our community for many years and supported our pupils throughout their exams. He will be greatly missed. A true gentleman. Our thoughts are with his family.”

He was widely regarded as one of Doune Castle’s greatest ever players, playing in goal from the early 1970s until the early 80s.

Club secretary Willie Docherty said: “Quite simply Davie Eccles was a Doune legend – an outstandin­g player, coach and life-long supporter – Davie gave so much to our club over so many years. More importantl­y, Davie was such a special person and remained a close friend to many of us. We’re devastated by his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Margaret, Joanne and all of Davie’s family.”

As welll as football, David was a keen golfer and played at Stirling for more than 50 years where his daughter is still a member.

 ??  ?? ‘Legend’ As a keeper David was a mainstay of Doune Castle sides in the 1970s and 80s
‘Legend’ As a keeper David was a mainstay of Doune Castle sides in the 1970s and 80s
 ??  ?? So respected David on a trip to London outside No 10 Downing Street
So respected David on a trip to London outside No 10 Downing Street
 ??  ?? Sad loss David Eccles (left)
Sad loss David Eccles (left)

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