Farewell To… Pat Keogh

Of the first influx of former Junior players brought to the club in the summer of 1998, so influential in changing the club’s fortunes, it’s a tribute to “big Pat” that he should be the last to leave the club for pastures new.

The fans’ favourite played his last game for Clyde on Saturday at Brechin and now leaves to team up with Ronnie Macdonald and Allan Maitland again at Hamilton Accies.

After signing from Maryhill, Pat made his debut on the 4th August 1998 against Queen of the South and his first goal for the club was one that clinched our first victory at Firhill for nearly ten years, in a match that marked the return of The Bully Wee as a force again.

By this time, having been signed as a centre half just weeks earlier, Pat was already plying his trade in midfield and he, of course, laterally ended up even further up the park as a strong and skilful target man making him the ultimate versatility player.

A contribution of 11 goals and much more during the 1999-00 Second Division Championship helped drag Clyde up to the First Division as they entered a new full-time era, but he decided to remain part-time despite being a continual regular in the team. Alan Kernaghan, a big admirer of his talents, later managed to persuade him to give full-time football a crack

A good start to his new career in 2002-03 was followed by a slightly disappointing year this time around as he struggled to break into the team due to injury and the good form of others. A return of 13 goals from just 14 starts, however, was a fantastic achievement.

Pat’s final tally for the club was a superb 201 appearances and 56 goals, with many more happy memories.

One of the biggest cheers of the day on Saturday was reserved for the goal that clinched Pat’s farewell hat-trick and the celebration that followed it truly was one of those emotional moments that will not be forgotten by any Clyde fan lucky enough to witness it.

It was a moment to be proud of being a Clyde fan and was a fitting farewell memory to a man who has been equally proud to wear the white jersey for six years.

We wish Pat all the very best in the future both on and off the park.