Frank MacGregor: Tributes paid to Johnstone Burgh legend

Frank MacGregor was part of the Johnstone Burgh team that won the Scottish Junior Cup in 1964.

He earned his nickname from his robust, all-action style of play and famously scored the leveller in a 1-1 draw with Cambuslang Rangers in that historic 1964 final.

Burgh then went on to win the replay 3-0 at Hampden Park in front of 50,000 supporters.

It was one of only two Scottish Junior Cup triumphs in the club’s history, with the other taking place in 1968.

His equalising goal also earned the club £3,000 in gate receipts – worth around £65,000 now.

Frank, who had dementia, passed away earlier this month at a nursing home in Glasgow.

Before the start of Burgh’s home game against Greenock on Saturday, a minute’s applause was held in honour of the former left-back.

Also at the match were members of Frank’s family, including his four daughters.

Frank (centre) had an all-action style that fans loved

Burgh president Ricky Cantwell told The Gazette: “Our sincere condolences are with Frank’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“He was a legend at the club and we were happy to pay tribute to him.

“The goal he scored to level the game at 1-1 in 1964 will live long in the club’s history.”

Frank also played senior football for Clyde and four times for the Scottish Amateur team, including a game against England at Wembley.

Despite his dementia, he was still able to recall his playing days, thanks to a scrapbook of his achievements that was compiled by his family.

Frank was an accomplished golfer and gymnast and became a PE teacher and latterly an assistant head at Lourdes Secondary, in Glasgow.

He was also a coach for Scottish and Glasgow Schools football teams.

Frank, whose wife Moira died four years ago, is also survived by his eight grandchildren.

Youngest daughter Claire Duncan, 50, headteacher at Lochfield Primary, in Paisley, said: “The minute’s silence for dad was so lovely.

“I would like to thank the club for making it such a memorable day.

“Dad was a loving, patient, kind man, with a wicked sense of humour. His best job and the one he loved more than anything in the world was being a dad, husband and grandfather.

“He had such a happy marriage, loved my mum endlessly and gave us such a happy life growing up.

“Latterly, he had dementia but he was still the same cheeky, funny and loving man until the hour he died.”

Frank’s funeral service will take place at St James the Great Church, in Crookston, Glasgow, at 10am on Monday, October 25.