COWDENBEATH FC have paid tribute to a former player who has died at the age of 84.

Rab Dow was a local man who enjoyed having the chance to play for his home town team.

Described as a hard working player who was very fit and full of running, he joined Cowdenbeath in season 1957/58.

Club secretary David Allan said: “Our condolences go to all Rab’s family and friends from everyone at Central Park.

“There are indeed still Cowden fans who recall when Rabbie sported the colours of his home town club.”

Rab was born at 36 Arthur Street and went to school at Foulford Primary and Beath High.

In 1947, he was a member of the Foulford school team that won the Montgomery Cup and soon joined the Blue Brazil's nursery club Cowdenbeath Royals.

Mr Allan added: “Rab Dow was a contemporary of players such as Bobby Gilfillan, Jock Miller and Hugh Ness.

"In 1956, he went from the Royals to play for Crossgates Primrose, along with Norrie Rattray and Alan Shaw. Jim Baxter joined Crossgates at the same time.

“In one of his very first matches, Rab headed the winner in the Fife Cup final for Crossgates v Newburgh.

"In 1957, Rab also hit the newspaper headlines across Scotland when he was a Co-op milkman in Cowdenbeath.

"His horse bolted and he was thrown off the lorry. The horse then knocked over a butcher’s van and hit a furniture van before it was brought under control.

“Rab later enjoyed telling the story about when he read in the papers that several clubs, including Rangers, were watching youngsters Gilfillan and Dow.

"Just after this Rab was walking into Central Park one day when a big flash car drew up alongside him.

“Peering inside Rab was convinced it was Scot Symon, manager of Rangers. The car’s occupant asked him, 'Are you Robert Dow?'

"However, when he replied in the affirmative his dreams of Ibrox were rudely shattered. It wasn’t Scot Symon after all, but a reporter who wanted to interview him about his recent recapture of the runaway horse!”

After playing for Cowdenbeath, Rab went on to play junior football for many years.

He thrived at Oakley United, who were coached by famous ex-Scotland player, Charlie Fleming.

Mr Allan said: “Bert Allan, the comedian, was the goalkeeper for a time as well.

"Then when Jubilee Athletic came to play for a few years in Cowdenbeath, Rab played for them alongside many other well-known local boys.

"After his footballing days ended Rab was a regular golfer at Lochgelly for many years.”

Rab, described as a much loved dad, father-in-law, grandad, brother, uncle and friend by his family, passed away peacefully at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy on January 3.

His funeral will be held at Beath Cemetery at 10am on Thursday January 20, to which all friends and family are invited.

There will be an opportunity to leave a donation for Alzheimer’s Scotland.

The family thanked everyone for the messages of condolence they have received.

Mr Allan added: “Rabbie was proud to have played for Cowdenbeath FC and we pass on our respects and thanks for all his service and commitment to our club – the order of service for Rabbie’s funeral will bear the crest of Cowdenbeath FC on its reverse."