"He was totally committed to Lanark United": Moving tribute to Tam Anderson after his death at 81

The former police sergeant and ex-Scottish Junior Football Association president began his association with United back in 1976, serving as match secretary and treasurer and long-time United correspondent for this newspaper.

“Tam was a great friend for 30 years and his death is a massive blow,” United president George Reid said. “I’m devastated. He was totally committed and passionate about the club. Tam’s biggest quality was offering wise counsel.

“As an ex-policeman, he was used to making decisions and who else would you want in charge of your finances?

“Tam would sit up for hours at night to find where one penny had gone wrong in his bank statement. He would get his financial report at every meeting and it would be all in order and exact.

“Tam’s wife Jean was actively involved in the football with him for donkeys’ years. They would do whatever was needed, showing dedication.”

“They would even be out at Moor Park cutting it with a Flymo!

“Tam had taken early retirement from the police and it fitted our club perfectly. It gave him the time to run the club.

“Under Tam’s stewardship, we went on to lift every honour in the juniors apart from the Scottish Junior Cup and the Premier League, which we weren’t always in. It was a fantastic period.

“He only gave up being secretary at the start of this season due to health issues.”

Tam, of Wellwood Avenue in Lanark, spent over a week in Wishaw General Hospital prior to his death. He had low blood pressure.

“Tam phoned me up on October 18,” George said.

“He said ‘listen, it looks as if I’m going to hospital so you’ll need to come here and get the club books, the cash in hand’.

“Honestly, he had it sitting meticulously. He had everything with a sheet of paper and a yellow note in it saying what it was.

“It was exemplary, everything that he did.”

As a mark of respect to Tam, last Saturday’s scheduled Lanark game at Newmains in Conference C of the West of Scotland League was postponed.

Tam, who lived alone, leaves two married sons and four grandchildren.

Among many Twitter tributes, Colin McKendrick posted: “Really sorry to hear the sad news about Tam. He’ll certainly be watching his beloved @LanarkFc from upstairs.”

Carluke Rovers wrote: “Condolences from everyone at Carluke to Tam’s family and everyone at Lanark. He will be sorely missed.”

Paul Maxwell typed: “Tragic news, condolences to Tam’s family and to Lanark FC. A big loss to the club and the game.”

Ex-player Grant Cuthill wrote: “Very sad news. Condolences to Tam’s family and friends.

“He gave me so much support and encouragement during my time as a player at the club.”