Remembering Bob Nee, a talented, teenage St Monance Swift

Robert Nee (Bob) was born in St Monans, or St Monance as the spelling was then, in October 1932 with the youngest of five children often found kicking a ball around The Mair in the village.

His talents as a young player quickly turned heads and, aged just 14, he was signed by St Monance Swifts as a right half, a position he would continue in throughout his playing days.

He was part of the 1946/47 Swifts side who lifted the Montgomery Cup, while also turning out for Waid Academy and Wemyss Area Schools.

A step into the senior ranks seemed a formality for the youngster and it duly arrived when Raith Rovers manager Bert Herdman signed him at the start of the 1949/50 season.

Just a couple of years later, though, he was called into the army and posted to Japan for National Service where he was chosen for the army team.

His son, also Robert, explained that his dad’s ambitions in the army were soon at odds with the Kirkcaldy football club.

Robert said: “While in the army he was determined to be a paratrooper and got as far as ‘signing up’ to show interest. But that’s when he heard back that his manager at Raith had put a stop to it because they wanted him back at the Rovers with his legs intact!”

After his return from Japan, Bob also had brief spells with Carlisle Utd and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Bob met and then married his now late wife Cath in 1960. They had two children, Alison and Robert and five grandchildren - Gary, Jeff, Andrew, Rachel and Gregor.

Bob served his time as a joiner in Elie and went on to work with some major UK firms.

Robert’s son Gregor (23) also signed with Raith Rovers as a youth player and, while at school, was also selected by Fife Schools to represent Scotland at a tournament in Turkey. Achievements his grandad was immensely proud of.

Taking a full circle, Gregor is currently signed with the club where it all started for his grandad - St Monans Swallows AFC as it’s known now.

While Gregor was at Raith, he took his grandad back to Stark’s Park to watch a first team game. Bob’s attendance was recognised by a 4000 strong applause for him. A moment he says was one of the best ever.

Bob passed away peacefully after a short illness in Leven Beach Care Home on Tuesday, June 23.

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