Alan Hart

All at the club were saddened to learn of the recent passing of Clyde supporter Alan Hart.

Alan, more commonly referred to as Harty, followed Clyde FC most of his adult life. His passion for the club began around 1974, aged 12, when he started to go see the club play on the East Kilbride Clyde supporters’ bus with school pals he had grown up with. His initial interest grew with the years and he followed them from the Shawfield terraces to Hamilton and every destination between, as well as every other stadium in Scotland that Clyde found themselves.

It was during a trip to East End Park that Alan’s other great passion (punk rock/alternative music) would be wed with the Clyde. A chance encounter with Richard Jobson and his Skids band mates led to an afternoon spent talking about music and football, whilst sharing a carry-out on the terrace. This encounter may well have stimulated an interest in hanging out with musicians at gigs (ligging), which would be stimulated further by his brother Douglas’s success with the Jesus and Mary Chain.
Alan was a passionate supporter and sometimes his love of the club and particular players lacked normal boundaries. Like the time following Clyde’s securing of the Second Division championship in 1992-93, when he invaded the park, hugged and kissed Keith Knox. Keith looked shocked, his friends laughed about it for years. Alan, undeterred, would repeat the feat with Craig Bryson following the demolition of Celtic in the Scottish Cup in 2006!

His commitment to Clyde, even in recent years when things haven’t been so good, was well known amongst his friends. He would often credit his life partner Lorraine with pointing out to him that he should go, no matter how poorly Clyde was playing, “as that’s when the club needs you most and it’s what real supporters do”. Alan’s passion for Clyde was shared with his sons, Ian and Alex. They grew up attending Clyde matches alongside their dad, becoming part of the routine and community that meant so much to him. Alan joins the pantheon of Clyde men, including his friend Greg Macfarlane who recently passed, and will be much missed by his family and friends.

The thoughts of all at the club are with Lorraine, Ian, Alex and the rest of Alan’s family and friends at this sad time.