Caley Thistle’s first club captain Alan Hercher has died at the age of 52.
In a statement, the Inverness club said: “Sincerest condolences are extended to his wife, Karen, and children, Alan and Claire as well as family and friends of the very popular former player.
“Sincerest condolences are extended to his wife, Karen, and children, Alan and Claire as well as family and friends of the very popular former player.
“From Beauly, Alan began his career at Ross County before signing in 1986 for Caledonian where he made a name for himself as a powerful box-to-box midfield player with a flair for scoring goals.
“He was appointed captain of Inverness Caledonian Thistle on their formation in 1994 following the merger of Caledonian and Inverness Thistle.
“He had the distinction of scoring a quick fire hat-trick in the club’s first home league match in the Scottish league set up – a 5-2 victory over Arbroath at Telford Street Park. This was the second fastest hat-trick scored by an ICT player.”
Hercher scored 23 goals in 79 appearances during three seasons with Caley Thistle. He helped the club win the Third Division in 1997.
He later played for Clachnacuddin and Brora Rangers.
Former teammate Charlie Christie said: “Alan was more than a terrific football player; he was a terrific individual who was hugely respected by all those who played alongside him and against him.
“It was fitting he scored the club’s first ever hat-trick in the Scottish League and he followed this up with so many important goals for the club in our early years.
“Big ‘Herchie’ was a truly great Highland footballer who will be sorely missed by me and by so many others.”