William Sydney

All at the club were deeply saddened to learn of the passing on the 4th of January of William (Billy) Sydney, aged 87.

Billy’s son is club historian, Gordon Sydney.

Although Billy hadn’t been a regular attender at Clyde matches since the mid-1960s, his experiences and stories of the club from the early 1940s onwards were sufficient to inspire Gordon to take an avid interest in that aspect of the club and continue the family tradition of supporting the Clyde.

Over those years of going to Bully Wee matches, Billy witnessed first-hand many great games and players, including the club record 11-1 victory against Cowdenbeath, the first match with Celtic in the 1955 Scottish Cup Final – only missing the replay due to National Service duties – and the defeat of Hibs in the Final of 1958.

His absolute favourite player was Tommy Ring, although many other players, such as Dougie Wallace, Alf Ackerman, Archie Robertson, Albert Murphy and Bassie Keogh – who “could header a ball further than most players could kick it” – would also rate a mention.

The club’s thoughts and condolences go to Gordon and the rest of Billy’s family and friends at this sad time.