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Tom Callander

Everyone connected with the club was saddened and shocked to learn of the recent passing of long-time Clyde fan Tom Callander.

Tom, 71, emerged as a Clyde fan in the glorious mid 60s when he became a Shawfield regular along with classmates from Whitehill Senior Secondary School.

A surveyor by profession, unassuming Tom was an early Supporters’ Trust member and a dedicated owner’s shareholder, who followed the team through the nomadic years to being a devoted season ticket holder at Broadwood accompanied by his son David.

Long standing Bully Wee friends Jim McNaught and Brian Spoors paid tribute to Tom. Jim, one of Tom’s original Shawfield companions said:-

“Tom’s first Clyde game was a 1-0 win over Dunfermline in 1965 and after that he was hooked. We shared many fine memories of the 1960s Clyde teams and trips by a gang of four to home and away games. The special memory was standing behind the goal at Stirling Albion’s old ground in April 1967, watching the net being rattled five times in the second half to guarantee Clyde third place in the league behind Celtic and Rangers.

“After the tough years of League Two that playoff victory over Annan was equally as meaningful an experience for us both as that day was in Stirling. Tom was a staunch Clyde man, who took defeat with resolute acceptance and victory with quiet, deep, satisfaction. He will be sorely missed.”

Tom gave Brian Spoors, a regular neighbour at matches, a sense of what it was to be a Clyde fan after the 1960s successes. Brian stated:-

“I got to know Tom entirely through Clyde as we both lived in Clackmannanshire and along with young David, drove to many games home and away together. Tom’s breadth of knowledge of players, results and matches going back decades was incredible. He was a fascinating friend and a lovely bloke.”

The condolences of all at the club go out to Tom’s wife, Margaret and his two sons, John & David at this difficult time.