Alex Blain
All at the club were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Alex Blain, who played with Clyde between 1962 to 1966.
Alex started out at Stranraer, then, after four seasons with the Stair Park club, he moved to Shawfield, signing for Clyde on 1st September 1962. His Clyde debut came shortly afterwards, on 6th October, in a 1-3 loss at Broomfield. That appearance is included in Alex’s 23 appearances that season, but, despite victories over the likes of Hibs, Dundee and Aberdeen, we succumbed to relegation at the end of that season.
The following season, 63/64, Clyde regained their top league status by virtue of finishing runners-up to Morton in the Second Division. Alex made a very respectable 33 appearances (from a possible 46) for The Bully Wee, including two games which must have stood out for Alex.
On the night of 15th January Clyde travelled to Ibrox for the Glasgow Cup semi-final and came away as finalists thanks to a goal by Harry Hood. Alex rated a significant mention in the match report the following evening “Young Blain had a first-class match against the dangerous [Willie] Henderson….”
Then, on 4th April Alex was in at left back when Clyde faced Montrose at Shawfield needing two points to guarantee promotion. Two second-half goals ensured Clyde’s promotion push had been successful.
Alex didn’t make any appearances the following season but appeared three times during August and September 1965. The last of those three appearances, against Hearts at Shawfield, marked Alex’s 59th and final appearance in the Clyde first team.
After leaving Clyde, Alex had short spells with Stirling Albion and East Stirlingshire before returning to Stranraer, where he ended his senior career.
Our condolences are with Alex’s family and friends at this sad time.