FORMER Albion Rovers hero and Monklands councillor John Dillon has been described as “a lovely family man” after he passed away last week.
The 76-year-old ex-footballer went on to be the district’s convener of leisure and recreation; and played a key role in the opening of the Time Capsule in his home town.
The sport enthusiast also brought the Embassy World Masters indoor bowling championships to Coatbridge in 1980 – putting Monklands on the map and on TV screens across the country.
Before moving into politics, Mr Dillon enjoyed a successful football career where he turned out for Sunderland, Brighton and Crewe before returning to Coatbridge to play for Albion Rovers.
During his five years at Cliftonhill, the forward bagged 38 goals; but his most famous moment in a Monklands derby came during the 1965/66 season when the hero netted four times in the 8-2 win over the Diamonds.
He would go on to turn out for Queen of the South, Stranraer and Hamilton Accies after leaving Cliftonhill in 1969.
The legendary frontman is to be inducted into the Rovers’ Hall of Fame next month for his fantastic efforts for the club.
North Lanarkshire Council leader Jim Logue praised “a true friend.”
“I was very saddened to hear of the death of John Dillon,” he told the Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser.
“I was a colleague of John for many years in Monklands District Council when John was convener of leisure and recreation.
“As such, he was heavily involved in the planning and completion of the Time Capsule.
“In addition to this, he was responsible for bringing the Embassy World Masters indoor bowling championships to Coatbridge which were televised throughout the whole of the UK.
“Over the years, I became very friendly with John and would travel to Sunderland home games on a regular basis.
“I was always amazed at the respect and admiration John still received from Sunderland fans.
“Frequent references were made to some of the wonderful goals he scored in the old Roker Park stadium.
“I will never forget John’s description of the ‘Roker roar’ when he netted a goal.”
Councillor Logue added: “John was a very talented footballer, a lovely family man and a passionate councillor who believed in the value of sport and a true friend.”
A statement from Albion Rovers said: “Everyone at Albion Rovers are saddened to hear of the passing of a true Rovers legend John Dillon.
“John played for the club between 1964 and 1969, appearing 145 times and scoring 38 goals.
“We would like to pass on our condolences to his family and friends at this very sad time.”
