Glenrothes mourns the passing of “legend” Willie Drew

Glens announced Mr Drew’s passing yesterday (Tuesday) saying the club has been left “devastated”.

The club’s longest serving committee member, Mr Drew was also a regular help to our Fife Free Press Group title, The Glenrothes Gazette.

In a statement, the local football club said: “Warout won’t be the same without him shouting at the opposition or the referees on a Saturday.

“But neither will our match days reports, something that Willie looked after for a long time and became legendary in the junior scene as well as our transition to East of Scotland.

“Willie was more than a committee member he was a devoted supporter, a friend to all who shared his passion for The Glens but more importantly he was a legend.

“We send our condolences to Betty and his family at this difficult time and want to let them know in your hour of need The Glens are here for you like Willie Drew was always there for The Glens.”

Current club secretary Robbie Penman admitted stepping into the role vacated by Mr Drew was daunting, but the out-going secretary made the transition almost seamless.

He said: “When Willie decided to give up his role at Glenrothes FC as club secretary, I put my name forward but was very anxious as Willie knew everything about the club and the ins and outs of junior football and had many friends in the game.

“Willie couldn’t have been more helpful even to present day he always answered his phone to me and was always helpful, always telling me if ever I needed advice to phone him.

“Willie loved Glenrothes FC and he cared deeply and I will never forget the help and advice he gave me personally and I feel proud to be Willie’s successor, and will do my upmost everyday to carry on Willie’s great work he did for over 50 years for Glenrothes FC.”

As well as the sadness felt at the Warout, the larger football community has also been left mourning by Mr Drew’s passing.

St Andrews United, Kennoway Star Hearts YFC, Carnoustie Panmure, Hill of Beath and Rosyth FC are amongst those passing on their condolences online.