Tributes paid to football great Johnny
Death of Ayr United legend at 73
Warm tributes are being paid to Johnny Graham, the skipper who led Ayr United into the first ever Premier League.
The midfielder, who famously twice scored FOUR goals in games in his first season after being signed by Ally MacLeod, died last week aged 73.
Former team- mate Jim McSherry said Graham was one of the best players he ever shared a dressing room with.
McSherry, now an Ayr publican, said: “Johnny, who had long hair like one of the Beatles, was one of my heroes when I was starting out as a player.
“When I joined the club in 1975, Johnny and his wife were so welcoming to me. I remember when Ayr beat Rangers 3- 0 that first season all the headlines went to Johnny Doyle but Graham gave a masterclass in midfield. He was a terrific player and a leader.”
Terracing fans posted emotional messages on Facebook as they mourned the loss of the Somerset Park legend.
Honest Man veteran Lawrence Grace wrote: “RIP to one of the greatest players to wear an Ayr strip.”
Ronnie Hainey added: “One of my favourite players and one of the best.”
Robert Somerville said: “Sad news. True Ayr legend, penalty king and all round great.”
Allan Durward recalled: “I’ve great memories of the ‘ 70s as a boy, Johnny Graham, Ingram, Doyle, McCulloch, etc. RIP.”
Johnny began his career with Strathclyde Juniors before going on to play for Third Lanark, Dundee United, Falkirk and Hibs.
He joined Ayr for £ 10,000 in 1971 and went on to score 72 goals in 202 games.
In October of his first season, he scored all four as Ayr came from