Arthur Murray
Gordon Thomson has penned the following tribute to lifelong supporter and club volunteer Arthur Murray, following his passing last Saturday. The players wore black armbands later that day against Stranraer in memory of Arthur and dedicated the victory to him. The thoughts and condolences from all at the club are with Arthur’s friends and family at this sad time.
It was with great sadness that the club learnt of the recent passing of Arthur Murray. Arthur served as a volunteer for the club for several years as barman in the club boardroom but his dedicated service in that role pales into insignificance by the length of time he supported the Bully Wee. Arthur loved his family – his wife Ann, children Graham and Karen and of course his grandkids Louise, Samantha, Jack, Andrew and great grandkids Kai, Mia-rose and Ivy but the Clyde always had a very special place in his heart.
The Murray family have had a long-term and deep association with The Bully Wee. Before moving to East Kilbride, Arthur grew up in the Oatlands area, close to Shawfield and followed the club since 1954. Despite witnessing the 1955 Cup triumph, it was the 1958 Scottish Cup victory against Hibernian that was Arthur’s favourite Clyde memory. However, don’t let that fact kid you that Arthur’s Clyde memories were stuck in the past. He travelled the country watching his team no matter the weather and no matter the form the side were in up until our last home game. Indeed, Arthur was a Clyde fanatic and his smile was as wide as the Clyde, in the stands after our recent home win v Bonnyrigg.
Arthur was fortunate to witness many great Clyde players. He would list among his favourites Tommy Ring, Archie Robertson, Harry Hood, Danny McGrain, Steve Archibald and Pat Nevin but his personal favourite was George Herd who he described as the most skilful player he had ever seen in a Clyde jersey. Its true to say that Arthur loved the club no matter who donned the shirt.
Arthur represented the very best about supporting a smaller club. He didn’t expect to win but don’t think he didn’t want to win every match. He had an excellent knowledge of the game and a great awareness of players attributes and their failings. When things were tough, he didn’t pick and choose games – it was his way of life to go and enjoy each match win, lose or draw. Arthur’s sense of fun and friendly demeanour engaged people and made him so suited to his role behind the bar. His charm was not reserved for visiting Directors alone, anyone who came into contact with Arthur got a warm welcome and a chat about the latest Clyde event.
Having known Arthur for 40 odd years I honestly can’t recall him getting angry at the matches. He was a true gentleman and always the same every time you met him. I first met Arthur as one of the supporters on the Castlemilk and East Kilbride bus that travelled the country. Arthur’s care for others including myself is one of my cherished Clyde memories. His bunnet, his chuckle, his consistent presence, his ability to always ask the first question at a Q&A, will make every match and club event that little bit strange without him. The Clyde family will be much less without Arthur.
The Murray family have informed the club that Arthur’s funeral will be held on Friday 11th April at 3pm in the South Lanarkshire Crematorium. All who knew Arthur are most welcome to join the family in celebrating his life and are welcome to wear anything Clyde related on the day.