Tributes pour in after death of legendary amateur sportsman Strang, aged 65

Tributes have flooded in for one of Scotland’s most respected and best known amateur sportsmen, Sandy Strang, who has died after a short illness. He would have been 66 next Tuesday.

Strang’s first love was cricket, playing as a wicketkeeper at a high level until past his 60th birthday. He was also a talented footballer, earning a Cambridge University Blue against Oxford at Wembley, and enjoying his time with Queen’s Park.

Spin bowler Richard Young, who was a family friend and long-time team-mate at Clydesdale, said: “I was playing for the Forty Club against Loretto School on Tuesday when the dreadful news came through.

“His passing has left a sizeable hole in my life. Sandy made a huge impression on everyone with whom he came into contact.” Former Scotland fast bowler and regular on-field rival of Strang’s, Paul Hoffmann, added: “This is an enormous shock. I had been looking forward to playing against him again for Uddingston over the next few months.”

Scotland’s record wicket-taker and mostcapped player, Majid Haq, stated: “Sandy was an absolute legend – an amazing man, friend, team-mate, father figure and mentor to me. He will always be in my thoughts and his legacy will remain for many others.” Following a lengthy spell with Clydesdale, Strang, pictured, appeared for a series of clubs, including Poloc, Ferguslie (twice) and Kelburne. During his career he earned an unprecedented six Scottish Cup winners’ medals.

Strang also served as a direc- tor on the board of Cricket Scotland and the executive committee of the Western District Cricket Union.

A WDCU spokesman said: “He was a fierce competitor and a gentleman, both on and off the cricket field.

“He will be greatly missed and our condolences go to his family and friends.”

A former deputy rector at Hutchesons’ Grammar School in Glasgow, Strang also became a much-indemand after-dinner speak- er – renowned for his wit and eloquence. He also branched into journalism and wrote columns for The Scotsman, Scotland on Sunday and Edinburgh Evening News. The WDCU spokesman added: “Many clubs may wish to pay their respects to Sandy in an appropriate manner before this weekend’s league matches.

“We are fully supportive of these thoughts and suggest the tributes are managed by the captains and umpires.”