THE FUNERAL of former Arbroath FC manager Albert Henderson took place at the town’s St Vigeans Church yesterday. Mr Henderson died last week aged 77.

The tiny hilltop church was packed as fans and former players joined Mr Henderson’s wife Doreen, daughter Carol and family and friends, to say goodbye to a person described by the Rev Dr Ian Gough as a “true gentleman.”

Mourners entered to the sounds of The Northern Lights Of Old Aberdeen, which Dr Gough told them would have “had Bert grinning from ear to ear.”

Dr Gough spoke of a “well-loved and well-respected” man who, when injury robbed him of his football playing career at the age of just 31, turned his considerable expertise and enthusiasm to management.

Dr Gough said Mr Henderson’s personal physical misfortune had been Arbroath FC’s good fortune, as he went on to serve the club for 17 years, becoming one of the country’s longest serving managers.

Former Red Lichties who turned out to pay their respects included some of the club’s legendary figures from the halcyon days of the 1960s and 70s, during which time Mr Henderson steered them to considerable success including a cup victory against Rangers at Ibrox.

They included Jimmy Jack, Eric Sellars, Tom Cargill, Gordon Marshall, Billy Gavine, Walter Cameron, Bobby Waddell, Ian Stirling, Jimmy Cant, Allan Kennedy, Dave Easson, Cammy Murray and Billy Pirie.

Board members, including chairman John Christison, Mike Caird, Alan Ripley, Malcolm Fairweather and Ian Angus, joined manager John McGlashan at the service.

After the hymns How Great Thou Art and Abide With Me, Mr Henderson was carried from the church to the sounds of Frank Sinatra’s My Way, which brought a smile to those who remembered his own particular version which he liked to sing at club dances.

Mr Christison said, “We’ve invited people back to Gayfield to join Albert’s family for refreshments and I hope that many of the former players will be able to stay on and catch tonight’s match.

“It would be very fitting for the present team to go out and win in Albert’s memory.”