Club to pay tribute to fan

DUNDEE FC is set to pay tribute to one of its most dedicated supporters, who passed away on Friday.

Board members will discuss a way of honouring the life of Willie Reilly (59), who famously left his own wedding to go and watch his beloved Dark Blues.

Mr Reilly was surrounded by family and friends, including former Dundee owner Peter Marr, when he lost his battle with cancer at the city’s hospice.

Well-known with players, directors and fellow fans, the club will look at ways of honouring his support of the club at tomorrow’s clash with Ayr United.

Board member Steve Martin said: “Everyone will discuss on Monday a way of paying tribute to Willie. I don’t know what form that will take but I certainly imagine that there will be a minute’s applause.

“I knew Willie for over 40 years and would often see him at matches.

“There are so many stories about him, but my one outstanding story was when we went to Easter Road to see Dundee play Hibs.

“We were looking for a bar that would allow children in and when we did there must have been about eight kids in there.

“Willie disappeared and then came back later with this black binliner full of sweets.

“He poured them over the table and told the children to get stuck in.

“I asked him why he had bought so many and he replied ‘I didn’t know what kind of sweets they liked so I bought one of everything’.”

Dundee FC have already posted an online tribute and Snow Patrol keyboard player Tom Simpson is among those said to have stated their sadness at Mr Reilly’s death.

Former club manager Jocky Scott said: “Willie lived for Dundee Football Club. He wasn’t shy in coming forward and he would approach the players and speak to them as if they were his best friends.”

It is understood Mr Reilly will be buried in Dundee’s dark blue strip at his funeral next Monday.

It is to be held at St Andrews Cathedral on Perth Road, with the cortege pausing outside Dens Park en route to the cemetery. Those attending have been asked to wear bright colours.

Willie Reilly — tribute to be paid by Dundee FC.