Thursday 30th April, 2020 at 4:43pm
Those of us at Firhill of a somewhat older vintage received with great sadness news of the death of former goalkeeper John Freebairn. I am pleased to pay the following tribute to an unusual, almost unique custodian and a fine person.
John made his Thistle debut against Kilmarnock on 28th October 1958 at Firhill. In total he was our last line of defence on 115 occasions. He was unusual. How many players have we signed from Glasgow University? His style was unique. While goalkeepers today suffer criticism for not coming off their line quickly enough, John adopted the opposite philosophy. His province covered virtually two thirds of the penalty area, thus causing all sorts of panic among our fans, but he was popular and effective nevertheless.
Away from the world of football, John was a significant performer at Highland Games meetings, tossing the caber with immense power and efficiency – an accomplished all round athlete.
We have lost a goalkeeper like no other and we mourn the loss of a fine man.
Our thoughts at this sad time are with his family and friends and we offer to them our sincere condolences.
Robert Reid.
Honorary President
