Former Saints defenderAshley Booth dies at 74

THE FUNERAL of former St Johnstone and East Fife footballer Ashley Booth, 74, who died in Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, after a long illness, will take place at Perth Crematorium on Tuesday.

The defender was signed for Saints by Bobby Brown, who went on to become Scotland manager, from Banks of Dee Juniors in 1962.

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Mr Booth broke into the first team during the Perth club’s league-winning season in the Second Division and gained a regular spot at right-half when Jim Little was sold to Third Lanark.

He played alongside legendary Alex Ferguson at Muirton Park and altogether made a total of 36 league, League Cup and Scottish Cup appearances for Saints.

Injury later denied him commanding a regular first team place and he went on to sign for East Fife in 1965.

Well-known Perthshire footballer Hamie Watt recalled: “We both signed for East Fife the same day.

“I remember we met manager Jimmy Bonthrone to put pen to paper the same morning in the Waverley Hotel.

“Ashley reminded me of the granite used in building projects up north.

“He was rock- like, resolute and robust in defence and feared no-one.

“A non-smoker and a confirmed teetotaller, he was a tenacious tackler and a great man to have on your side.”

Injury sadly brought a premature end to his footballing career when he suffered serious ligament damage playing against Dumbarton at Boghead.

“He could hardly walk,” Hamie recalled injury.

Ashley then began work with the former Perth Town Council as a gardener, remaining with them until his retirement, latterly as foreman gardener.

He was a keen golfer and was a long time member of King James VI.

He is survived by his wife Chris, children Jo, Nicola, Barry, Alison and Derek and three grandchildren.

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Ashley Booth: ‘rock-like, resolute and robust’.