Special shirt auction for funds in John’s memory

ARBROATH FC: Money raised will go to motor neurone disease charity

A shirt presented to a rising football star by former Arbroath manager John McGlashan will be auctioned to raise funds to boost research into motor neurone disease.

Former Dundee player John, a hugely popular figure, passed away in January after a short battle with motor neurone disease aged just 50, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes from friends, players and fans.

He began his professional football career at Montrose after signing from Dundee Violet and went on to play for a host of professional teams including Millwall, Rotherham, his boyhood heroes Dundee, and Arbroath, who he later went on to manage, becoming a fans’ favourite.

John worked with youth charity Showcase the Street and other youth projects, and also volunteered for Barnardo’s during a spell between clubs during his playing career, driving a minibus for children with disabilities.

He played a pivotal role in the development of many young local footballers where he could see the talent and potential in them, with Dundee FC defender Kerr Waddell being one of those fortunate players.

John took Kerr from the Arbroath Lads Club U16s to train with the Dundee U16/17s.

Kerr, now a 19-year-old first team player for the Dark Blues was one of many young footballers mentored by John at Arbroath FC, and he presented the shirt to the youngster when he won his first contract at Dens Park.

Even when John left Dundee, he still kept in touch with Kerr’s father, Davie, to find out about the youngster’s progress.

Now, Mr Waddell is returning the cherished shirt to Arbroath FC to be auctioned off to boost the fundraising efforts of Mr McGlashan’s sister-in-law Kimberly Carr, who is running the Great Women’s 10km Glasgow race in June to raise money and awareness of Motor Neurone Disease Scotland. In addition to the shirt, Arbroath have included boardroom hospitality for two at the Arbroath v Ayr United match on March 3, where Kerr himself will present the winning bidders with the shirt.

A spokesperson for the club said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to Kerr Waddell for the donation of his shirt. We know how cherished and treasured this shirt is to Kerr, and the memory it holds of John.” The auction closes at 5pm on Monday. Bids are accepted by email at arbroathfcfacebook@gmail.com

We know how cherished and treasured this shirt is to Kerr, and the memories it holds of John

Picture: Paul Reid. Dundee defender Kerr Waddell, who was mentored by John McGlashan, with the shirt.