The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Backroom legends Tommy and Jack remembered by City
Brechin: Dugouts named after two club stalwarts
The legacy of two sadly-missed club stalwarts will live on at Brechin City’s Glebe Park.
The home and away dugouts have been replaced with modern structures and dedicated to two long-serving backroom staff.
Two old brick dugouts were replaced during the close season following private funding and a grant from the Scottish Football Partnership.
The club has recognised the service and dedication of former sports therapist Tommy Gilmartin and former trainer/kit man Jack Sunter.
Mr Gilmartin has had the home dugout dedicated to his memory and the away dugout has been dedicated to Mr Sunter in a move which the club said was “long overdue”.
Chairman Ken Ferguson said: “We are very grateful to everyone who has helped out with this project and especially those who made it possible with their financial assistance.
“Hopefully it is satisfying for all to see the new structures in place that will be with us for many years to come and that now proudly bear the name of two club stalwarts.”
Jack Sunter was an integral part of the set-up of Brechin City Football Club for more than 40 years.
He started in the early 1950s as assistant trainer to Reg Melvin before taking over the reins on his own in the 60s, serving under nine different managers until 1992/93.
Mr Sunter rarely missed a game and the front seat on the team bus to away games was very much his own.
He was described as ‘typical’ of the trainers of his era – his equipment was simple; a washbag with a wet sponge and some plasters.
Mr Sunter felt that any injury could be treated with a few rubs of the ‘magic’ sponge and every wound could be healed with a sticking plaster.
Players respected his tough love approach and it was rare to find a player not responding to his on-field treatment.
Tommy Gilmartin joined Brechin in 1985 and remained in that role for 25 years.
He dedicated most of life to helping others in his role as a senior charge nurse at Stracathro Hospital and other NHS establishments.
He treated and diagnosed countless injuries, whether sports-related or not, sustained by a myriad of individuals who sought him out for treatment.
Mr Gilmartin welcomed everyone with open arms providing a valuable community service from his immaculate treatment room at Glebe Park.
gstrachan@thecourier.co.uk
“Hopefully it is satisfying for all to see the new structures in place that will be with us for many years to come and that now proudly bear the name of two club stalwarts.
KEN FERGUSON CHAIRMAN