Ally Smart

Many ‘Loons’ supporters, especially the older generation will be saddened to hear of the passing of Ally Smart on Tuesday of this week.

Ally died in Ninewells Hospital at the grand old age of 97, so he certainly enjoyed a lengthy ‘innings.’

Apart from his wife Cathy who preceded him and his son Gordon and family, much of Ally’s life revolved around the ‘beautiful game.’

He was a keen player in his younger days in junior circles in the area, but also wore the colours of Elgin City for a spell in the Highland League.

He was then for many years a committee member and treasurer of Forfar Celtic Juniors who shared Station Park at the time with the Athies.

In the 1970’s he got involved with the ‘Loons’  becoming a Board Member during one of the most successful spells in the club’s history.

During that period he was a familiar figure on match days at Station Park, as he took charge of the turnstile/entry area to the terracing in Carseview Road.

This was, however, one of many often unseen tasks that Ally undertook on behalf of the club in his usual unassuming manner.

He stepped down as a Director in 1986 but continued to support the club through thick and thin both on a matchday and at various fundraising events.

Despite failing eyesight, Ally who was undoubtedly the club’s oldest regular supporter still had a season ticket right up to last season, enjoying the company of fellow former Director Albert Shepherd and others in their front row stand berths.

Ally, when one met him down the town, was rarely critical of the efforts of those who followed him in the Station Park boardroom, realising as he said often how difficult a task it can be on occasions to compete in today’s football world.

He will be sadly missed by many, most notably his immediate family to whom the sympathy of all at Station Park is accorded at this time

His passing will be marked in the appropriate manner prior to kick-off at the next home fixture against Clyde on Saturday week.