Recovering football hero Murdo MacLeod thanks fans for support

Feb 5 2010 by Marc Mclean, Lennox Herald (main ed)

MURDO MacLeod admits he’s been as emotional as tearful tennis hero Andy Murray due to the flood of support from fans.

The football legend has told fans he is on the mend and thanked them for their support via his internet Facebook fan page.

The football legend, who underwent emergency open heart surgery on January 14, left a touching message on Monday in response to the many tributes following well-wishers.

Murdo, 51, wrote: “I’m getting much stronger every day, walking about the hospital, building up muscles.

“I’ve been reading your messages. It’s touching to see so many well-wishers from around the world including fans, relatives and friends.

“I know how Andy Murray felt trying to thank everyone who has given him support – emotion took over.

“I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued support. Love Murdo.”

The former Dumbarton and Celtic star developed heart complications after contracting a virus. He had been in intensive care for 10 days at Clydebank’s Golden Jubilee Hospital but has made great progress since.

Football figures such as Ally McCoist, Alex McLeish and Roy Aitken have all recently visited Murdo in hospital.

And wife Mhairi and daughters Gilan, Mhairi and Marina have been amazed at the Helensburgh man’s recovery.

Youngest daughter Marina left the following message on Murdo’s page yesterday: “I must be the proudest daughter ever and so privileged to call you my dad.

“You have amazed everyone at your progress but at the end of the day we knew you could do it. Just keep going – you know you have us with you every step of the way.”

Murdo, a Radio Scotland pundit, first made his name with Dumbarton in the 1970s and returned to manage the team after a successful career with Celtic, Borussia Dortmund, and Hibs. He also gained 20 caps for Scotland.