Laughter and tears at Raith Rovers Hall of Fame

Monday night's Raith Rovers Hall of Fame has been hailed as a huge success by those who watched - and those who took part.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Nov 2016, 16:50 BST
Updated 16th Nov 2016, 16:51 BST
Phil Thompson on stagePhil Thompson on stage
Phil Thompson on stage

The fifth annual event sold out in just 90 minutes when the tickets went on sale last November but it proved to be well worth the wait!

It was a night to remember - one filled with fun, laughter and genuine emotion.

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Cult favourite Marvin Andrews struggled to hold back the tears during his induction, where he thanked Raith Rovers for introducing him to football in the UK.

Stevie Crawford, the first Gourlay Inductee into the Hall of Fame, with the family of Ally Gourlay (Pics by FPA)Stevie Crawford, the first Gourlay Inductee into the Hall of Fame, with the family of Ally Gourlay (Pics by FPA)
Stevie Crawford, the first Gourlay Inductee into the Hall of Fame, with the family of Ally Gourlay (Pics by FPA)

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown gave a moving speech when introducing Jimmy Scott and Jimmy Todd, the two young players who passed away during WWI in 2016.

And other inductees were Antonio Calderon, who had flown in from Spain especially for the event, the late Murray McDermott, Donald Urquhart and Peter Hetherston.

And, as ever, Bill Leckie proved to be a most engaging and capable host.

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One of the highlights of the night came when the committee announced a new regular addition to the Hall of Fame in memory of the late Ally Gourlay - the Gourlay Inductee - whose first recipient was Stevie Crawford, as chosen by Ally himself before he passed away earlier this year.

Paul Merson sahres a joke with host Bill LeckiePaul Merson sahres a joke with host Bill Leckie
Paul Merson sahres a joke with host Bill Leckie

The two star speakers, Phil Thompson and Paul Merson, shared some side-splitting anecdotes from their careers and speaking exclusively to the Fife Free press after, the former said he had never experienced an evening like it.

“You have something very special here,” he said.

“Paul and I go to a lot of charity dinners and they’re always great, but this is something completely unique.

“What really took me surprise was the emotion. I knew there be a lot of laughs and good craic between the lads, but I didn’t expect for it to be so moving as well.

Stevie Crawford, the first Gourlay Inductee into the Hall of Fame, with the family of Ally Gourlay (Pics by FPA)Stevie Crawford, the first Gourlay Inductee into the Hall of Fame, with the family of Ally Gourlay (Pics by FPA)
Stevie Crawford, the first Gourlay Inductee into the Hall of Fame, with the family of Ally Gourlay (Pics by FPA)

“I’ve honestly never been at anything like this.”

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It’s an evening that will live long in the memories of all those who attended and plans are already underway for next year’s event with tickets going on sale this Saturday.

They will be available from 10am at the Adam Smith Theatre box office only, limited to four per person, and will not be put up for sale online.

Prices are £25 for a standard ticket or £55 for a VIP ticket, plus there is a booking fee of £1 per ticket.

Sponsor’s packages are also available at a cost of £1000. For details call Alistair Cameron on 07969251765 or email

Related topics:Stevie CrawfordGordon Brown