TOWN’S BIG THANK YOU TO ITS MOST FAMOUS SON

THE proud residents of Dunblane paid tribute to Sir Andy Murray yesterday after he announced his plans to retire. Brian Melville, 68, who coached Andy as a young boy, said: “All good things must come to an end and he has achieved everything in tennis. “I did a year of individual coaching with him when he was seven. There was something different about him. I’ve never worked with a youngster with that amount of talent. “It’s a huge loss to tennis but he has to think about his health as well. He has a family to look after.”

Nicola Wishart, 44, pictured left, plays tennis at Dunblane Sports Club, where a Andy started lessons at the age of four.

She said: “He has done so much for British tennis. He has inspired a generation and paved the way for other kids.

Josh Thomson, 20, a coach at the club, added: “I idolised him growing up and he is the perfect role model.

“Tennis puts incredible pressure on the body and at his level it’s a tough, tough sport to stay at the top.

“It’s just a shame that Andy can’t be there a little longer. In another era, he could have easily walked away with 12 or 13 Grand Slam titles.”

Mairi Ross, 53, who runs a dry cleaning business in the town, said: “I’m a wee bit upset about it but he has to look after himself and he has a family. He might still win one more before he retires.”

James Logan, 70, from Alexandria, Dunbartonshire, is a regular visitor to Dunblane and a big Murray fan. He said: “He’s without question the most successful Scottish sportsman ever. In fact, not just Scottish but UK-wide.”

Graham Fleming of David Bennett’s butchers baked Andy a steak pie tribute.

Dunblane Primary P7 pupil Gregor Wood said he was shocked at the news but also had a suggestion for what Andy might want to do next.

The budding star said: “He should be a PE teacher here. I think he would be quite a good one.”