(Angus McConnell 1931-2021)
Angus McConnell was born in East Kilbride Village in 1931 and in 1947 a young Angus joined the committee of East Kilbride YMCA.
His organisational skills were put to good use as he oversaw the smooth running of the club.
In the early days, the YMCA was a hub of activity for the village residents including indoor bowls, snooker for the men, whist drives and ladies evenings culminating in the summer May Queen, which was a very popular event, and the Sunday evening Bible class concluded the weekly events in which Angus was involved in all aspects.
Saturday morning saw Angus at Kirktonholme Park in all weathers, lining the pitch with sawdust (which was a back breaking job before the invention of a spreader) and putting the goal nets up and corner flags in place for the afternoon match.
At lunch time prior to the match he had all the paper work completed and his mum and sister would be there to make sure the teams enjoyed tea and sandwiches post-match.
Angus had YM offering teams hospitality all those years ago, which is now obligatory in some football leagues.
As well as his YM work, Angus became involved in the Scottish Amateur Football League, eventually becoming President and became an Honorary Life Member, as well as a Life Member of the Scottish Amateur FA.
He was also President at the Scottish Amateur Youth Football League with his office situated at Hampden Park.
Angus was also involved at the start of East Kilbride District Sports Council, which is now the oldest one in the country.
Outside his YM involvement, his working day was at an office supply company in Hamilton which kept him busy but he also had time to serve as a Justice of the Peace for many years along with his involvement with the Boys Brigade and other organisations in East Kilbride.
He also became an elder in the Old Parish Church and remains the longest serving elder (60 years).
Nearly 75 years after joining YM, Angus, who was awarded the British Empire Medal for his contribution to sport, was still attending YM matches (pre-covid).
He was also a baton bearer for the 2014 Commonwelath Games in Glasgow, carrying the baton aloft through his hometown.
His contribution to YM was immense and there are many sporting people throughout Lanarkshire and beyond who benefited from his advice.
During the recent upgrade of the facilities at Kirktonholme Park, Angus visited daily just to keep his eye on all the superb work that was being undertaken by Graeme Robertson, Denny Byrne and their group of volunteers.
Even before his death on Monday, EKYM Football Club had decided to name their Kirktonholme ground in his honour and all home football matches will now be played on the Angus McConnell Memorial Pitch.
Written by Les Goodfellow
Social Media tributes
East Kilbride YM were overwhelmed by messages from across the country, paying tribute to Angus' hard work and kind nature.
Here are a few of the messages the club received on Twitter:
One of the nicest men you’ll ever meet, he would walk by our house every day with a wee smile and wave to brighten up the day. Great man who will be missed by so many https://t.co/5IUaRKJxFx
— Cara McBrearty (@cara_mcbrearty) February 15, 2021
Everyone at the Scottish Amateur FA is sorry to hear the sad news about Life Member, Angus McConnell.
— Scottish Amateur FA (@ScotAmFA) February 15, 2021
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. https://t.co/TFO4aJuJox
All the best. 74 years at one club is incredible. Thoughts with the club and family
— GSC Jordanhill AFC (@JordanhillAFC) February 15, 2021
A fine man, the family are devastated at the shock. He was truly grateful for all the attention he richly deserved on his 90th birthday at the weekend. A fantastic monument from the club to a fantastic football man. God Bless
— Martin Cluney (@mcluney) February 15, 2021
Sorry to hear this sad news. A true gentleman and massive supporter of EK sport. My thoughts go to his relatives and friends and the wider YM family. EK has lost one of its finest citizens....
— Sam Millar (@drsam_millar) February 15, 2021
True gentleman was The president of The SAFL when I joined the League back in the early 80's always someone who I could turn to for guidance, and I believe still attended games and gave so much to Amateurs and the youth football
— Robert Bowman (@rabbowman) February 15, 2021
Sad news we have sat together on our committee at CLYFA for the past 8 years , a real stalwart of youth football in county, the football community is in mourning tonight
— The GSM (@lennonmustgo) February 15, 2021
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