Monday 22nd May, 2023 at 3:45pm
Everyone at Partick Thistle FC is deeply saddened to learn of the death of former player and 1971 legend Hugh Strachan, who passed peacefully in his sleep earlier today at the age of 84.
Born on the 21st of February, 1939, Hugh Mair Strachan was a proud Ayrshire boy and would represent Cumnock and Troon during his playing career but it was at Motherwell where he enjoyed his professional breakthrough. He would spend five years at Fir Park, seven at Cappielow with Morton and one full season at Kilmarnock before Partick Thistle finally came calling.
And so it would be that, at the age of 31, the legendary Davie McParland brought the experienced defender to Firhill for what would prove to be an unforgettable four-year spell. Proving the perfect foil for the imperious Jackie Campbell in the Jags backline, Strachan’s consistency established him as a favourite with Thistle fans as the club raced to the 1970/71 Scottish Second Division title, climbing back to the top flight with the loss of just three matches in a 36-game league season.
Much, much better was to come, of course, the following autumn when Thistle would embark on a 12 game Scottish League Cup run culminating in the greatest day in the club’s history on the 23rd of October, 1971. So much has been written about that great day when Alex Rae lifted the Scottish League Cup after Thistle defeated Celtic 4-1, Strachan and his defensive team-mates helping reduce the all-conquering opposition to just one Kenny Dalglish consolation in the second half. What a sensation, indeed.
All in all, Strachan would appear for Thistle an impressive 174 times between 1970 and 1974, his only goal – fittingly – coming in the League Cup in August 1970, during a win away at Stirling Albion.
Post career, Hugh remained in close contact with his fellow 1971 legends, many of whom visited him in Ayrshire in the autumn of 2021 around the 50th anniversary, when only ill health prevented Hugh from joining the various celebrations in Glasgow.
Today, everyone at the club expresses their sorrow for Hugh’s former team-mates, especially the heroes of 1971. Rough, Hansen, Forsyth, Glavin, Campbell, Strachan, McQuade, Coulson, Bone, Lawrie, captain Alex Rae, Gibson, – Hugh Strachan’s name will forever be in Firhill folklore.
Most importantly, we share our sincere condolences with the family and close friends of Hugh, who are in the thoughts of all Thistle supporters at this difficult time. We also express our gratitude and full appreciation to the contribution to our club of a Partick Thistle FC Hall of Famer and league and cup winner.
Rest in peace, Hugh – once a Jag, always a Jag.
