The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Former Montrose FC player Charlie Douglas, aged 92
Montrose FC have paid tribute to former Links Park player Charlie Douglas, who has died at the age of 92.
Born in Govan in 1924, Mr Douglas returned to his father’s home town of Montrose at a young age where football was to dominate his life.
At North Links Primary School, he played alongside the great Gordon Smith and during his early working life, while based in London, enjoyed a spell at Wimbledon.
In the 1940s he played for Hillside United, Montrose Roselea and Montrose FC, at a time when the Angus club was in Scotland’s old C division and it was not unusual for crowds to reach 3,000.
In 1947, Mr Douglas spent four days in a coma after sustaining a serious facial injury at Dens Park.
He recovered from the dramatic incident, but his interest in the game then moved towards coaching and refereeing.
He maintained a lifelong devotion to local football and in recognition of his commitment to the game was made honorary president of Montrose FC Supporters Club and an honorary member of Montrose Roselea.
Montrose FC said his main wish had been for local lad and former Nottingham Forest captain John McGovern to be inducted into Scottish football’s Hall of Fame, and he was delighted to be told in his last days that the midfielder had been given that honour.
“Charlie died peacefully and his legacy will be the input he had into all levels of football in Montrose,” said the club.