By Graeme Strachan

THE FAMILY of a Dundee United supporter, who died of skin cancer at the age of 29, last night gave something back to the club he loved on an emotional evening at Tannadice.

Before a minute’s applause took place for Celtic legend Tommy Burns, Alan Clarke’s family presented a cheque for £3000 to former Tangerine Dave Bowman.

Alan’s parents David and Irene and big sister Lesley were joined by his best friend Iain Stanley on the pitch to present the cheque to the Dundee United community schools coaching programme.

The former Tannadice midfielder said the money will go towards the cost of organising a youth tournament in August, with the trophy to be named after Alan.

Mum Irene said the occasion was especially poignant given that a tribute to Tommy Burns was happening on the same night after he died of the same condition as Alan last week.

Alan died in January, after having being diagnosed with malignant melanoma two-and-a-half years ago.

Mrs Clarke said, “Alan was an ordinary lad who gained so much enjoyment in following his team—even to Finland for a UEFA Cup match a few years ago.

“It’s poignant that we’re presenting the cheque tonight before a minute’s applause for Tommy Burns.

“Tommy was diagnosed with skin cancer six months after Alan.”

“Alan said to Iain that he wanted any money that was left to go to the club.”

The club has kept in contact with the family throughout Alan’s illness.

“We, as a family, would like to make this gesture as a way of saying thank you to the club, but also to support the club’s youth policy in Alan’s memory,” said Mr Clarke.

Best friend Iain described Alan as “quite a laid-back character with a rapier wit.

“His sense of humour kept him going through his illness,” he said.

“He was United through-and-through, and loved following the team.

“We had so many great times together watching United— especially the trip to Finland.”

Bowman said the family’s gesture would ensure Alan’s name lives on at Tannadice.

“It’s a great donation, and the money will be put towards a tournament for the kids,” he said.

“We’re looking at organising a six-team tournament in August and maybe bringing (former United player) Gordan Petric’s clubs over from the former Yugoslavia.

“We’d like to call it the Alan Clarke Memorial Cup.

“Once we get things organised we’d hope the family would be there.”

United director Derek Robertson paid tribute to Alan and his legacy.

“It’s a marvellous gesture,” he said.

“Alan was a United fan from a young boy and we were sad to hear of his passing.

“We have been in contact with the family for some time, and were delighted to welcome Alan and Iain to hospitality last year for the Inverness game at Tannadice.

“The family have been through a tough time with Alan dying as young as he was—they were keen to mark his support of the club in some way.”

Last night’s tribute to Tommy Burns was also poignant for another two families.

Laura Kidd (8) and Caleb Gardiner (9), who both have cancer, were mascots at the match at Tannadice.

They walked out with a banner for Tommy—who lost his battle with cancer last Thursday at the age of 51—dedicated by children from the oncology ward at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.

The youngsters also took part in a minute’s applause to honour the former player and manager.

Laura, from Falkland, has neuroblastoma and a particularly aggressive form of leukaemia—it was the first time she had attended a football match.

Celtic-mad Caleb Gardiner, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in May 2005, lead out the Bhoys at Tannadice at last night’s title decider.

Caleb, who has undergone chemotherapy, attends Charleston Primary School and lives with his cousin on South Road in Dundee.