Brechin City Football Club has expressed great sadness at the death of former full back Tom McLevy, who passed away peacefully after a short illness at Perth Royal Infirmary on Saturday.

A club spokesman said: "Tom McLevy's name is one that is synonymous with the Brechin City sides of the 1960's. He was a model professional, a model of consistency and the sort of hard working and diligent individual that any club would have been proud to have in their team.

"Tom also played at a time where footballers at this level genuinely played for their love of the game alone and for every little in the way of financial reward.

"Everyone at Glebe Park is sorry to hear of his passing, but those who were fortunate enough to witness Tom's contribution are unlikely to forget him. Our condolences go to his wife and family."

'Tam' entered football in the junior game, first of all with Luncarty, before being snapped up by a Blairgowrie Juniors side that were at that time regulars in the latter stages of the Scottish Junior Cup.

He entered the senior game from Davie Park when Arbroath manager, Tommy Gray signed him for the Gayfield club. Such were his performances in the defensive roles for the Red Lichties that he played a part in the club's promotion success of the late fifties.

It was in 1960 that Tom was somewhat surprisingly 'freed' by Arbroath and signed by City chairman Donald Farquhar and secretary/manager, John Gilmartin.

It was a great piece of business by the duo fixing up a player who would become something of a permanent fixture in the right-back slot for the following five seasons.

Tom, who ran his own painting and decorating business in his native Blairgowrie became a very popular figure with his City supporters of his era.

He recalled in an interview with the club in November 2002: "I had five wonderful years with Brechin City and it's a time I often wish I could see repeated over and over again. In that five year period, we were never league champions, but we were a match for anyone."

He was more often seen after his playing career had ended on Rosemount Golf Course, Blairgowrie, where his performances with the clubs matched his efforts as a player, as he played off a handicap of 12.

Tam is survived by his wife Jean, son Tom junior and two grandchildren. His funeral takes place at Perth Crematorium tomorrow (Thursday) at 4pm.