St Andrews United “shocked” following the passing of former defender Mike Forgan

Mr Forgan had a distinguished playing career with the Saints, earning a reputation as a classy, ball playing defender in his time with the club during the 1980s.

His relationship with St Andrews United started when he was just a teenager, the then Crail based footballer joining St Andrews United’s under 18 team from the St Andrews Colts.

The former Waid Academy pupil would make his full debut in the first team against Dundonald Bluebell in May 1983.

This week Saints said it was with “much sadness” that they announced his passing.

The club said: “The tall centre half, who excelled at passing a football, scored his first goal in the Fife Junior League versus Oakley United and he collected a Fife Cup runner-up medal after Kelty Hearts beat Saints 4-2 in May 1984.

“Forgan subsequently wore a United shirt on 87 occasions throughout the next two years and he scored further goals against Dundonald, Comrie Colliery, Fauldhouse United, Clackmannan and Hill of Beath. Unfortunately, St Andrews United failed to finish higher than sixth in the Fife League during that period and Mike missed most of the 1986/87 term due to injury as Bill Mercer’s squad secured second spot in the newly created East Division.

“However, the tough tackling defender, who was also good in the air, returned to full fitness by March 1987 and he scored a seventh and final goal for Saints at Dundonald Bluebell two months later.

“Alas, Forgan dropped out of United’s first eleven towards the end of Mercer’s spell as manager so he missed the East Coast Windows Cup Final win over Hill of Beath in June 1988 before hanging up his boots due to ongoing injury problems.”

In total Mr Forgan made a total of 124 appearances for St Andrews United as well as being invited for trials with East Fife and Cowdenbeath.

The Methil based fireman continued to support St Andrews United after his playing career ended.

Mr Forgan was a keen golfer and he agreed to play in the St Andrews United centenary tournament last April until the event was postponed because of Coronavirus.

St Andrews United added: “Everybody at Recreation Park was shocked to hear about Mike’s passing and we would like to send condolences to his family at this most difficult time.”

• St Andrews United have recently taken delivery of its 2021 calendars which are now available for sale.

The calendar features a combination of images showing the current squad and club legends from the past. Email [email protected] for details.