Famous Accies fan Fergie laid to rest

Jan 29 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

Famous Accies fan Fergie laid to rest

INFAMOUS Hamilton Accies fan Ian ‘Fergie’ Russell was on Wednesday laid to rest in the town’s West Cemetery.

Mr Russell, who died the previous Wednesday, aged 71, was well known in the town and to fans of his beloved Accies mostly for his vociferous and expletive-laced backing of the club.

Players, referees, club officials and opposition fans were often in the firing line from the likeable character.

Mr Rusell was better known as Fergie – believed to have been an abbreviation of ‘Ferniegair Ian’ – and was interred in the Wellhall Road cemetery on Wednesday afternoon.

A humorous and often touching graveside service was held by Reverend David Burt, who spoke of his fondness for Fergie, having known him for years.

Reverend Burt spoke of Mr Russell’s love of his half-sister Betty, who was in attendance, and of the many occasions he was in Fergie’s company.

“Even though he swore a lot,” said Reverend Burt, “he always apologised to me,” which brought laughter from mourners.

He spoke of Mr Russell’s life growing up in Ferniegair and Hillhouse and his willingness to bring people into his circle.

But he also said that was taken advantage of when Fergie was brutally attacked in his home, an assault from which he never fully recovered.

Reverend Burt closed the ceremony by thanking the nurses at Hairmyres and Stonehouse Hospitals, who helped Mr Russell in the latter years of his life.

In attendance at the funeral were family members, friends, Hamilton fans and well-wishers.

The club was well-represented by secretary Scott Struthers, former managers John Lambie and Chris Hillcoat, ex-secretary Alan Dick, former chairman Jim Watson and director Bill Sherry, ex-players Graham Mitchell and Paul McDonald, current steward Bill Brownlie and groundsman Willie Roberts.

Former grade-one referee Brian McGinlay – who would have been verbally abused by Fergie in his time – also turned up to pay his respects.

Well-known Hamilton fan and councillor Allan Falconer was also among the 40-or-so well-wishers.