The loved ones of a “legendary” north-east football stalwart are hoping to celebrate his life with a tribute match in his honour.
Alan Davidson, who has died aged 75 after battling Parkinson’s disease for years, was so synonymous with North Region Junior Football Association team Longside FC that he was known as “Mr Longside”.
Mr Davidson will pay one final visit to the ground he helped the side secure, and which was named after him, when his funeral cortege stops there this morning.
The Buchan native became secretary for the village club, near Peterhead, when he was just 17 and had held the position for 51 years by the time he stepped down in 2013.
He racked up 500 appearances in a variety of positions and even helped build a wall along the side of the pitch when creating the ground. In 2018, he co-wrote a book detailing the club’s history.
Mr Davidson’s grieving loved ones are hoping to mark his life-long devotion to the club in a manner he would be proud of.
His nephew Gavin Davidson said the family would like to stage a game, possibly for charity, after lockdown restrictions are lifted.
Mr Davidson said: “He was held in such high regard by everyone that knew him, and nobody will be able to achieve what he did. The club wouldn’t be the same today if not for him.
“He will be fondly remembered by everyone who knew him.
“In his 54-year association with Longside he built up a lot of friends and we as a family and Longside FC have been overwhelmed by the amount of people who have come forward with messages and kind words to say about him.
“He was a remarkable man, his energy, knowledge and friendly manner set him apart and I couldn’t put into words what he meant to us all.
“Having grown up as his nephew and idolising him from a young age, I saw firsthand what he did for Longside FC and his sharp wit, dry sense of humour and the laughter and banter we shared are the things I will personally miss the most.”
He added: “Phyllis, his loyal wife, had to take a back seat to Longside FC on many an occasions but she got used to it and didn’t mind.
“She played a part also by being the tea lady on match days and washing the strips after every game for well over 40 years.”
The longstanding servant of Longside FC was instrumental in getting the club a minibus.
And as he was a non-drinker, he frequently found himself behind the wheel of the vehicle.
His nephew added: “Alan, along with his friend and former teammate Mickey Bain, produced a book about the history of Longside FC which was well received and is a cracking read and has sold many copies – but some are still available if required.
“About seven years ago the club organised a reunion which saw over 60 former players attend, but as part of that night Alan was presented with a book full of photographs of his long service to Longside FC.
“Two of the greatest achievements that Alan fondly remembered were the back to back Junior Superleague Championship winning seasons of 1999/2000 and 2000/2001 and he always maintained the two best players he saw wear a Longside jersey were skillful midfielder Zander Whyte and scoring powerhouse Jim Bain.”
The north-east football community paid tribute to Mr Davidson online after news of his death broke.
Fraserburgh FC posted: “Alan was a great servant to Longside and his love for his club was so obvious. He was a great friend to the Broch and will be sadly missed. A true legend of the game.”
Buchanhaven Hearts JFC added: “Alan was a true Longside Football Club legend and well respected throughout the community. His dedication and commitment to Longside was something really special.”
When Longside FC was formed in 1933, the village team played on various farmland pitches.
Mr Davidson played an important role in finding them a permanent home in the 1970s.
The village residents voted in favour of naming the new ground Davidson Park, despite Alan and his brother Harold voting against receiving such a distinction.
Mr Davidson also worked as a credit controller with Sutherland Haulage, of Peterhead, for many years before working at Stoneyhill quarry.
He died on Tuesday and is survived by wife Phyllis.