Stewart MacMillan
All at the club were deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of Stewart MacMillan.
Stewart joined the club in 1977 as Trainer, working in tandem with physio John Watson to put the players through their paces. Stewart was a key part of Craig Brown’s backroom team throughout his tenure at Shawfield, and he also went on to hold the position of Reserve Team Coach.
During his time with The Bully Wee Stewart was involved in two Second Division championship successes, in the 1977-78 and 1981-82 seasons, before moving on from the club in 1986.
Stewart was later reunited with his old boss Craig Brown at Hampden, working with him for many years from the 1990s into the new millennium as part of the Scottish National Team set up.
Club Historian Gordon Sydney has his own memories of Stewart, affectionately known as Omar…
“I only met Stewart the once, when he came over for the 40th anniversary reunion lunch that Neilly Hood organised, and due to the pressures of the day I was only able to have a few words with Stewart. However, Craig Brown told a wonderful story about Stewart, that I’m sure he won’t mind being repeated here…
“Stewart was in Italy with Craig and the Scotland international team. Italy played in their traditional blue, thus Scotland changed to white jerseys. After the game, Stewart hung around for some considerable time to get into the Italian dressing room, to get Roberto Baggio to autograph a white Scotland jersey, a feat Stewart duly managed. A few months later Stewart was again abroad on Scotland duty, and phones his wife at home…”I don’t know what on earth was on that white Scotland jersey I found in the wardrobe…it ran when I washed it…..”
Brian Ahern – “So sad to hear about Stewart. He was a great guy and brilliant as an intermediary between players and staff. He loved the training games behind the goal at Shawfield and especially scoring in those games although he didn’t like it much when we would pull him down on the wet muddy pitch, but he took it all with good grace. He was always cheery and great at boosting your confidence before a game, and I loved his calf massages before a game. What a guy, he’ll be sorely missed”
Bobby Clark – “I knew Stewart, but I didn’t know him, if you see what I mean! Everybody knew Stewart, he was just that kind of guy, and the world will be a sadder place without him”.
Tommy Coutts – “Very sad news, he was a lovely man and full of fun at times, I’m left with great memories of him”
Phil Cairney – “So sorry to hear the sad news about Stewart. One of my memories of Stewart is of him coming to training with a pile of Slazenger jumpers and flogging them to all and sundry – I think he was a rep at the time – and they sold like hot cakes – my future father-in-law loved his peach and blue jumper. Stewart was always upbeat, and good for a laugh most of the time”
Ross Mathie – “So sorry to hear the sad news regarding Stewart (aka “Omar”). He was an amazing man, and a great friend to many of us who worked at the SFA”
John Brogan – “So sad to hear this news…that’s the entire backroom team from 77/78 all gone. They’ll be up there sorting the world, and having a great laugh whilst doing so!”
Robert Thorburn – “Stewart was just one of those guys that it was great to have around, and this is very sad news indeed”
The thoughts and condolences of all at the club are with Stewart’s family and friends at this sad time.