Dougie racked up more than 1000 goals in 300 games
East Kilbride Handball Club members have been left shocked and saddened by the sudden death of all-time legend, Dougie Greenshields, at the age of 58.
Greenshields, who suffered a heartattack, will be sorely missed after making a huge impact at the club during the 1970s and 1980s.
He made his debut for the first team in season 1976/77 in the Pernod Tournament and went on to play over 300 games for the club, racking up over 1000 goals in the process.
Such a talent was rewarded with trophies, too, with Dougie winning one British league, four Scottish leagues and three Scottish Cups.
He also represented his country on a number of occasions, captaining the side for a spell and coached the team until work and family commitments saw him move to Fife in 1997.
The man who currently runs EKHC, Michael Lavery, played in the same team for over 10 years and he paid tribute to the club hero.
“Dougie was a true gentleman and as genuine a man as you could ever meet,” he said.
“I was good friends with him during his playing days at EK. He took me under his wing when l first broke into the team.
“I loved playing alongside him – he made me look good on many occasions.
“He had terrific vision on a handball court, finding space with ease.
“A match winner and a class act, I don’t think l would be running the club today if it wasn’t for the influence of Dougie Greenshields.”
Their star player grew up in the Murray and attended Heathery Knowe Primary School before moving on to Claremont High School in 1972.
He took up the game in 1975 when some of his school friends from Claremont told him they had joined the local handball club at the John Wright Sports Centre.
Dougie went along to training and it turned out that he was a natural.
Michael added: “Dougie was coaching the team in 1983 when, after winning the British league, we entered the European Cup and we were drawn against top German side THW Kiel.
“The results on the court were not good but that season and trip to Germany will live long in my memory as one of the best times of my life, led by Dougie.”
Dougie’s funeral was held yesterday at Kirkcaldy crematorium.