FERGIE’S AYR TRIBUTE

Nov 22 2007 Ayrshire Post

LEGEND boss Sir Alex Ferguson gatecrashed an Ayr United party to pay tribute to the club's greatest ever servant.

And he told hero full-back John Spud Murphy, a former Somerset Park team-mate in the early 70s, that he was an outstanding pro and terrific guy to boot.

The Manchester United chief left diners open mouthed at the club's Hall of Fame dinner when he gave a surprise and emotional message by video on a large screen.

Fergie's words topped a great evening which also saw wing king Henry Templeton and goal wonder Sam McMillan inducted before a sell-out crowd. More than £5800 was raised from an auction of items donated by some of football's top names.

Fergie and Spud have remained close friends since their playing days and the Old Trafford messiah has never forgotten his roots which saw him hang up his boots under Ally MacLeod at Ayr.

Fergie boomed: "Murphy, your career at Ayr United was fantastic. You were an outstanding pro and a terrific guy. Have a great evening."

Spud, who made a record 587 appearances between 1963 and 1978, was visibly moved by the evening and the warmth of appreciation towards him.

Former teammate and now director Alex Ingram presented him with his award. Dixie said: "John was one of Ally's star pupils at a time when clubs hated coming to Ayr. These were great times for our support and Spud was one of the ringleaders."

Pint sized entertainer Templeton received his accolade from Ian McAllister and Stevie Evans, team-mates during Ayr's Second Division title winning team of 1987-88.

McAllister, who was inducted at last year's inaugural dinner, recalled how Ally told the team he was signing the player who would win them the league. Cally admitted: "I must confess when I first saw Henry I had my doubts but he was an absolute genius. He gave me another lease of life and I played on for another four years. Henry had everything and he was also the bravest player because everyone tried to kick him. In my opinion, he was the most exciting player in Scottish football for a couple of years."

One club man McMillan was presented with his award by club director Lewis Grant who hailed Sam as the team's general. Lewis said: "When Ayr beat Rangers 3-0 at Ibrox, Sam famously sat on the ball. And he scored two goals in a 3-2 win over Celtic at Parkhead.

“He was the equal at least of the wee Prime Minister, Ian McMillan, and outghosted the great John White. Sam was a one team man and the best advert for part-time football."

The event was superbly organised by the club's lottery manager Andrew Downie and his team of helpers. It was sponsored by The Frame Shop and Gallery of Alloway Street, Ayr.

MC was Ayrshire comic Jim ‘Buller’ Reid while speakers were Brian McGinlay and John Gilligan.

Among the auction items was a piece of Somerset Park turf which was bought for £200 by director Hugh Cameron. That money will be donated to the Ayr Tartan Army’s Alzheimer’s fund after a squad of walkers trekked from Ayr to Hampden last Saturday morning.

Next year's third Hall of Fame dinner on Friday November 14 will be switched from the Somerset Park hospitality suite to the Princess Royal Suite at Ayr Racecourse to mark its growing popularity.