Eddie Stewart was elected to Tayport Football Club's committee in June 1969. Although a lifetime Tayport resident, Eddie had chosen to play his football with neighbours Wormit FC 'because they trained' but sensing the emergence of a new regime on the East Common, Eddie sought a transfer to Tayport FC (not an easy task in those days as, when the clubs were not in agreement, the Midlands AFA's Executive Committee held a meeting to discuss such matters). Eddie convinced them of his desire to play for his local team and was transferred to Tayport, making his debut at left back in March 1969 in a 7-0 win over Tay Valley FC on East Common. The club went on to win the Midlands Division 2 title that season and in June 1969, Eddie was elected to the Committee.
Things were very different in those days with the club playing on the Common as had been the case for many generations Changing facilities were fairly primitive, a green wooden hut divided in two with a multi purpose Belfast sink in each side, cold water only and a gas mantle to illuminate the place.
Eddie was a neat and nippy player but a back complaint forced him to retire from playing and his last appearance was a Scottish Amateur Cup tie at Ballingry Rovers in October 1972. There were a couple of Alliance appearances later that season but his playing career was effectively over age 27yrs.
There would be a cameo appearance nine years later, however, when the Alliance XI was short of a goalie v Monifieth and chairman Eddie stepped into the breach as the last line of defence in a 5-4 win in 1981.
On retiring from playing Eddie continued as a committee member and succeeded Albert Oswald snr as club chairman in 1978. During Eddie's early years on the Committee the Club also made good progress off the park and commenced development of the club's new ground at the Canniepairt including the construction of changing accommodation. The new building was first used in 1977 with the first match taking place on the Canniepairt in 1979.
Progress was maintained with the club now running three amateur teams in Midlands and Fife Leagues and success was achieved in both Associations. Scottish Amateur Cup runs were the icing on the cake, culminating in an appearance in the 1986 semi final at Dens Park.
With a ground fit for purpose, progression to Junior status seemed a logical move and Eddie was chairman when Tayport FC played its first match in Junior football in 1990. Tayport would become one of most respected Junior football clubs in the country, with the Scottish Junior Cup proudly displayed at the Canniepairt on three occasions and the East Super League title twice.
Eddie was no ordinary chairman. On match days he would ensure players had what they needed in the dressing room before running the line or recovering wayward balls during the game. He always found time to have word with a new spectator and making sure a player's guest could find a cup of tea at half time. Post match he could be found back in the dressing room to start sorting out the muddy kit for the laundry.
Whether it was the club's bingo sessions, racenights far and near, car boot sales or any of the many other fundraising ideas the club came up with, Eddie was always heavily involved. Although only once a week nowadays, for many years the club ran twice weekly bingo sessions at which Eddie sold the books or called the numbers or often both.
He was the Club's representative at Junior FA meetings and was appointed first to the Tayside Region League Management Committee and then the East Region League Management Committee.
Eddie had a word for everybody and everybody had a word for Eddie.
It is testimony to Eddie Stewart that so many people took the time to pay tribute to him on the club's website, many of which are included below.
HOW THE FIFE HERALD REPORTED THE DEATH OF THE TAYPORT CHAIRMAN
Last Thursday, the 12th November, news filtered through that Eddie Stewart, chairman of Tayport Football Club for the past thirty-one years, had passed away, following a relatively short illness, borne with tremendous courage.
The thoughts of all at the Canniepairt have been with Eddie’s wife, Yvonne, children Mark, Nicola and Gill, and the rest of the family, at this sad time.
Tayport’s East of Scotland Cup tie, away to Livingston United, was postponed as a mark of respect to one of football’s great enthusiasts. Having also given sterling service as a player, Eddie served on the Tayport F.C. committee for over forty years, with the bulk of that time spent as chairman. Even more impressive than the significant number of years, was the effort and energy he brought to the role, always demonstrating his absolute devotion to the club.
Eddie’s funeral took place on Tuesday, in Tayport Parish Church, with a further service at Dundee Crematorium. The vast turnout of family and friends was in keeping with the esteem in which he was held throughout the local community.
The club owes all of its success to people such as Eddie, and his drive and sense of commitment will be sorely missed at the Canniepairt. Recently inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame, the inimitable Eddie Stewart will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The team itself will now take its first tentative steps back into action tomorrow, Saturday 21st November, when they travel to meet table-topping Forfar West End, at Strathmore Park.
Yes, the match, which kicks off at 2.00pm, is an important East Super League fixture and it would be wonderful if Tayport could post a victory, with a view to making up ground in the promotion race. That said, win, lose or draw, the game will provide another opportunity for players, management, committee and supporters to reflect on the passing of a remarkable man and a true friend, Eddie Stewart – 1945 to 2009.
SOME OF THE MESSAGES PLACED ON THE TAYPORT FOOTBALL CLUB FORUM FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF EDDIE STEWART ON THURSDAY 12TH NOVEMBER 2009
Very saddened to hear of Eddies passing today, his infectious enthusiasm was a major part of Tayports success and the Canniepairt wont be the same without him. I would like to pass on my deepest condolences to his family.
Scott Peters
It's the easiest thing in the world to sit and type nice things about someone who has passed away, but these words are genuine, about a man who played a huge part in transforming a little amateur team to one of the most feared Junior clubs in he country.
I only knew Eddie closely for a short time. I remember meeting him first of all when Tayport visited Broughty Athletic in 2003, and we got chatting at half time, and his smile, and enthusiasm for football was overwhelmingly infectious.
When I joined the club 18 months ago, I was always struck by no matter what was going on, Eddie was always smiling, and he always gave me wee words of encouragement to keep me going.
That enthusiasm never seemed to fade, and you always heard Eddie before you saw him on match days, such was his commitment and passion for Tayport Football Club.
One of my biggest regrets in football will always now be that Eddie couldn't make it to the Hilton Hotel, to be formally inducted into the Hall of Fame by SFA Chief Executive Gordon Smith. I know however, from visiting him since, that his trophy took pride of place in his living room for everyone to see.
Right until the end, he stayed sharp as a tack, and talked about football, not missing anything that was going on.
The Canniepairt will be a far quieter place from now on...
Rest in Peace Eddie.
Bomber (John Brown)
"Just to pass on my and everyone at the Tayport Arms' condolences to the family and Tayport in the sad loss of their Chairman Mr Stewart"
Gail, Manageress, Tayport Arms
Having been a fan for many years you could tell Eddie's love for the game and the club. His enthusiasm and commitment was a huge part of our sucess.
I'd like to pass on my condolences to his family for the sad loss.
RIP Eddie Stewart. Cammy Little
Very sad to hear about Eddie passing away. In the years I spent at the club he was pivotal in the behind the scenes activities which made the team such a success. I've never met anyone with so much enthusiasm for Tayport and football in general. He will be sorely missed.
My thoughts go out to his family, friends and everyone at Tayport FC.
Ross Gunnion
Ex Dundee FC Chief Executive Peter Marr was in contact this evening from overseas with this message.
"Can you pass on to Eddie's family my condolences. He will be sorry missed. He was one of the nicest guys I had the pleasure to have worked with. Please pass on my regards to Abby and the rest of the guys my thoughts"
Today I heard the horrendous news of the passing away of MR TAYPORT....EDDIE STEWART.
Kind words are easy to say and write but I had the privilege and honour to be shouted at by the one and only Eddie in my many years as a player and committee member of TAYPORT FC. Many happy memories I will take to my grave, REST IN PEACE EDDIE with thoughts and condolences to Yvonne,Mark,Nicola and Gill........Auld Harty (Alan Hart)
Tragic news of the loss of Eddie Stewart.
Always enjoyed our chats after the home games,respected all his views and passion for his club. An absolute gent and a REAL football man. Our thoughts and condolences go to his family.
God bless, The Conways.
From all Travel Club Members we wish to send our condolences to Yvonne,Mark,Nicola and Gill. I've known Eddie for a lot of years from my playing amateur against Tayport and the great thing about him was he never changed in all those years. I remember coming to see the Juniors for the first time and remember him coming over and talking to me and recognisng me.He never forgot anyone and would not pass by without saying something.
Goodbye to a remarkable man RIP
I can only say that it was a privilege to have known Eddie, he could always be found every second sunday watching whichever Thistle team were playing on boot sale day, he just loved his football and helped out the boys on many occasions. Eddie will, I'm sure be sadly missed by all at the "Thistle" past and present. My deepest condolences to all those close to Eddie. Ian Morris
Just to echo the sadness felt by the passing of Eddie Stewart, my condolences to Yvonne, family & friends.He'll be sorely missed by everyone at the club.
Knowing Eddie he'll be there watching the next home game for sure.
God Bless.
Derek Wemyss & Family
Our Deepest Condolences to All The Family of the Late Eddie Stewart And All At Tayport F.C.
From All At Moffat & Williamson
My deepest sympathy to all Eddie's, family, friends and colleagues who are associated with Tayport.
Eddie was always good with me during my time at the club and I was shocked and saddened to hear of his death yesterday.
Regards, Duncan Bruce
my deepest sympathy to Eddie's family and the extended family that was Tayport Football Club,the enthusiasm for football has never been surpassed by anyone I have ever met.
R.I.P. EDDIE .
Regards Grant Clark
VERY SAD NEWS AS EDDIE STEWART WAS A WONDERFUL MAN. OUR THOUGHTS GO OUT TO YVONNE AND ALL THE FAMILY.
KIND REGARDS IAIN & DIANE WILLIAMSON /FAMILY.
words are so difficult as I write this from Bahrain, Eddie will always be a shining star in our lives and privilege to be brought up with. Eddie was always there for me -from my days when he was an Officer in the Boys Brigade - to our involvement with the Port and running the Port Bingo nights together.Our thoughts are very much with Yvonne & Family
Bunt (Andy Robertson)
Our deepest sympathy to Eddie's family from all at Tayport Tennis club - Eddie's support and enthusiasm will be desperately missed by all.
R.I.P Eddie
Having had the pleasure of being affiliated with Tayport and Eddie for 5 years his passing has brought me great sadness. I'm sure all those who have played for his club will remember him best for his regular forays and patrolling of the touchline waiting to let you know when you weren't doing your job, which for me was a regular occurrence. In addition he was always the first to give a shout of encouragement.
Bomber was right in that people find it easy to laud plaudits onto someone who has passed away. However a particular incident in my household provides a true reading of Eddie. After discovering Eddie's fate I told my girlfriend who replied, "He was such a lovely man. He would always come over and talk to me at the games". Simple, but surely a true reflection on Eddie's impression on someone who was a relative stranger to him.
Condolences to Eddie's family and friends.
Brian Livie & Claire Joiner.
this is my first and last post on any web-site, but I feel that I have to say something about my great friend eddie. eddie always supported me in my whole time at port and my wife lorraine loved him to bits and also yvonne, where we had many a great time and night. eddie was paramount in the success that tayport had, that I have no doubt. my memory of eddie was when we beat lochee utd at tannadice and all the players were celebrating in the middle of the dressing room, not eddie, he was pulling the dirty socks inside to right and gathering all the laundry as well. a truly great man who will be sadly missed by all in the scottish junior game. god has found himself a helper. goose (Derek Carr)
Eddie was my uncle and a nicer, kinder man you could not meet. He was always the same whenever you saw him. I spent the last few days of his life with him and he still had a smile and was always thinking of you rather than himself. He will be a great loss to his family and all his friends of whom he had many. All the family are thinking of Yvonne, Mark, Nicola and Gill and all their extended family. Margaret Baillie
I worked with Eddie for over ten years and I was saddened to hear of his passing last week. My lasting memory will be the Monday morning banter discussing the weekends results. My father, Jimmy, used to run the line for Bankfoot Juniors so that always added a bit of spice. He will be sorely missed by Tayport Juniors and I doubt if anyone could take his place.
My thoughts are with his family, friends and work colleagues.
Sandy Lawrence |
