Former Partick Thistle manager John Lambie dies aged 77

FORMER Partick Thistle manager John Lambie has died at the age of 77.

He had three spells in charge of the club over his career, and also managed Hamilton and Falkirk.

All at Partick Thistle are devastated to learn that former manager, hall of fame inductee and Thistle legend, John Lambie has today passed away. https://t.co/cF5ogoBZBq pic.twitter.com/RrLBIUftko

— Partick Thistle FC (@PartickThistle) April 10, 2018

A Partick Thistle statement said: “Partick Thistle Football Club is deeply saddened to learn that former manager, hall of fame inductee and Thistle legend, John Lambie has today passed away.

“The thoughts of everyone associated with Partick Thistle Football Club are with John’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

The club are deeply saddened to learn of the death this morning of former Manager John Lambie. John came to us in 1983, became manager in Jan 84, left for Partick in Nov 88, returning to us a year later for another 7 month spell.

— Hamilton Accies FC (@acciesfc) April 10, 2018

Lambie’s playing career started in 1958.

He made 199 appearances for Falkirk before moving to St Johnstone in 1969, where he played 103 times.

He became Hamilton boss in 1984, and was in charge for the famous Scottish Cup victory over Rangers in 1987.

The club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player & coach, John Lambie, who has died today at the age of 77. John played for the club from 1969 – 1973, making 153 apps & scoring 5 goals. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time. https://t.co/umvR5yeCqO pic.twitter.com/CFwnQa0L1Q

— St. Johnstone FC (@StJohnstone) April 10, 2018

In his third spell at Partick between 1999 and 2003, he guided the Glasgow side to successive promotions and kept the club in the top flight.

He was also known as one of the game’s true characters, and famed for the line where he allegedly told his concussed striker who wasn’t sure who he was: “That’s great, tell him he’s Pele and get him back on.”

RIP John Lambie, had the pleasure of meeting him several times highlight of which was when he gave up half an hour of his time to get photos taken with me and my Best Men on the pitch at Firhill on my wedding day.

— William Arthur ?? (@Wajags1876) April 10, 2018

John Lambie brought me most of my happiest memories as a Jag. He brought us back from the brink a few times, hopefully the current squad can use him as their inspiration over the next 5 games #partickthistle

— Michael Paterson (@mickypatty) April 10, 2018

Gutted about the news about the death of one my footballing heroes, John Lambie. There will never be one like him. #RIPJohnLambie

— Darren (@DazzJag) April 10, 2018

With one of the characters and legends of the Scottish game in recent years, who gave Accies fans an incredible memory from 1987. RIP John Lambie pic.twitter.com/FEKLJW2pQe

— Scott Struthers (@scottsas) April 10, 2018

Motherwell coach Stephen Craigan paid tribute to Lambie on Twitter, writing: “Devastated at the news of John Lambie (gaffer) passing away.

“A man who put his trust in me and gave me a platform to kick start my career @ThistleTweet.

“Unorthodox in many ways but knew how to get the best out of his players and looked after them. RIP gaffer sleep well.”