Kitman ‘Gunter’ Hearts ‘through and through’

Tributes have been paid to a popular football figure who passed away on Tuesday. Brian Marr, from Crossgates, served clubs across Fife at both senior and junior level and was most recently working with the Hearts Academy as kitman, having spent nine years in the role with Raith Rovers from 2006 to 2015. “Gunter”, as he was affectionately known, had a spell managing his home town club Crossgates Primrose in the 1990s and was also assistant manager at Kelty Hearts between 1997 and 2000, helping the club reach the Scottish Junior Cup Final in 1999. Players and colleagues from past and present have been remembering Brian since news of his passing emerged. Raith Rovers said they had been “deeply saddened” to hear the news, as Brian had been brought to the club by current manager John McGlynn in his first spell at Stark’s Park. He remained close friends with all the coaching and backroom staff from that era – catching up regularly with the manager, Paul Smith, Wayne Henderson and Gordon McEwan. Brian was also part of the backroom staff when Rovers won the Ramsdens Cup, beating Rangers at Easter Road in 2014. Despite his long association with Raith, Brian did not hide the fact he was a Hearts supporter and was delighted to help out at the Hearts Academy as kitman. A spokesperson for the Tynecastle club said: “Brian will be remembered as a tremendous character around the Hearts Academy and the entire Hearts community will miss his passion and love for his job and the development of youth players. “Brian was a Hearts man through and through and followed the team home and away without fail. The thoughts of everyone at Heart of Midlothian are with Brian’s wife Linda, daughter Sophie and all of his other family and friends.” Brian’s daughter Sophie is currently the physio at Cowdenbeath, and secretary David Allan said “Gunter” was always warmly welcomed to Central Park. “Everyone at Cowdenbeath has been greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Hearts Academy kitman Brian ‘Gunter’ Marr,” he said. “Brian lived in Crossgates and the thoughts of everyone at Central Park are with his wife Linda and Sophie at this most difficult of times.”

Brian Marr, from Crossgates, passed away on Tuesday.