It is with great sadness that Brechin City FC confirm the passing of former player and manager John Ritchie at the age of 70.

John featured as City’s goalkeeper from 1967 to 1971 and again from 1975 to 1981. Upon his retirement from playing he was assistant to Ian Fleming as The Club won The Second Division Championship in 1982-83, the Club’s first national success.

He returned as Manager from 1987 -1993 and guided City to The Second Division Championship again in 1990 beating a much fancied Kilmarnock side to the Title – a team led by the late Tommy Burns.

John enjoyed subsequent success in the never-to-be-forgotten match against Clyde at Douglas Park in Hamilton, when a last minute penalty from Mark Millar secured a dramatic second place promotion in front of the BBC Sportscene cameras at the end of season 1992/93.

John went on to coaching roles at clubs such as Hibernian and Dunfermline Athletic, latterly and more locally, joining Dick Campbell at Forfar Athletic and Arbroath.

Everyone associated with The Club passes their condolences to John’s family and friends – including son Paul who also played for Brechin City with distinction.