COWDENBEATH Football Club this week paid tribute to former player Jim Strachan.

Players and officials of the Blue Brazil were sad to learn of the death of Jim Strachan at the Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy.

James Gilmour Strachan was born on June 25 1945 at 105 Small Street, Lochgelly and later lived in Lumphinnans.

Jim’s grandmother was Catherine Moffat, who was a member of the famous Moffat family from Lumphinnans.

She was the sister of miners’ leaders Alex and Abe Moffat. His grandfather Jim Strachan was also well-known in local footballing circles.

Club director David Allan said this week: "Jim was a good footballer.

"A wing half who played for Churchmount Boys Club in Lochgelly, he then went junior with Lochore Welfare.

"He moved down to London with his work though and he had a month’s trial with Spurs and then was on the books of Leyton Orient.

"He joined Cowden from then non-league Barnet in 1969. Jim played in our East of Scotland League winning reserve side in 1969/70, scoring a few goals and being sent off in a match v Gala Fairydean! Jim’s son Alan was also a footballer, playing senior with both Dunfermline Athletic and Raith Rovers.

"Our deepest sympathy goes out from everyone connected to Cowdenbeath FC to all of Jim’s family and friends."