The club is sad to report the passing of another athlete from the famous “Golden Group” of the late 1960s and early 1970s, Tommy Paterson.
Tommy first appeared at the club around 1964/65, the young boy from Easterhouse joining John Anderson’s coaching group at Dennistoun Public School. He would go on to become a vital member of one of the strongest squads in Scotland, and for a time arguably the best in the UK and feared across Europe.
While Tommy did not collect many individual titles, his contribution to team success was immense. He will be remembered particularly for his exploits on the country and road, with his track times never fully reflecting his true ability. He represented Scotland at the ICCU Junior Championships in Tunis, finishing 35th, alongside teammates Norman Morrison and Martin McMahon.
Tommy was part of the squad that won the English Cross Country Team title, highlighting the incredible depth of the team alongside names such as Lachie Stewart, Norman Morrison, Dick Wedlock and Alastair Blamire. The squad also enjoyed success in Europe, finishing 2nd in the European Club Championships, and famously defeated the Kenyan National team at the Findus International in London. The 1970/71 season saw the squad win every title available to them.
His running career came to an end after joining the Fire Brigade in the early 1970s, but his connection with the club was reignited during the centenary year in 2004. Tommy became a valued committee member and coach, working with athletes to success at District and National level. Around the same time, he began coaching at Red Star AC, a disability club based at Crownpoint, before progressing to team manager roles at international level.
Despite ongoing health issues in later years, Tommy remained a strong supporter of the club and it was great to see him in attendance at the 50th Allan Scally Relay.
The club sends its condolences to his family.