Dumbarton FC players stunned by Gordon Lennon's death

Jun 12 2009 by Andy Galloway, Lennox Herald (main ed)

STEVIE Murray has led the Dumbarton players’ tributes to their title-winning captain Gordon Lennon after his tragic death.

The Sons midfielder, who also played alongside the 26-year-old for Partick Thistle, spoke of the shock felt by the squad upon hearing the news.

He said: “To be honest, I can’t put my feelings into words. It is really hard to sink in, and all the boys are totally and utterly devastated. Some of them can barely even speak.

“We cannot believe it. It is absolutely heartbreaking, especially with his son Kai being only five months old.

“Gordon’s family must be feeling 100 times worse than we are. They are in all our thoughts.

“It is an absolute tragedy.”

Meanwhile, the staircase in the foyer at the Strathclyde Homes Stadium has become a shrine to Gordon – nicknamed ‘Guido’ – as scarves, flowers and other tributes were laid.

One flag bore the message: “Gordon Lennon, Sons legend, true gentleman, will be missed.”

Fans have also written their own personal messages in a book of condolence, also based in the foyer at the stadium.

One message read: “My finest memory is in the bar after we beat Elgin City 6-0 to just about clinch the title.

“You came into the bar with your football gear on and hugged me and said: ‘I think we’ve done it.’”

Another simply said: “It was a privilege to watch you play. Sadly missed.”

The Sons Supporters Trust website also contains tributes from supporters around the world, including Gordon’s coach from his days in youth football.

John Doyle was manager of Maryhill Boys’ Club and Harmony Row Boys’ Club when Gordon was developing as a player.

John’s tribute said: “He was an absolute delight to work with, always smiling and game for a laugh with his team mates.

“Gordon was not only one of my best players but he was a close friend too. In fact, we both used to get slagged at Harmony Row because we also spent a lot of time together outwith football, therefore everyone used to say he was ‘ma boy!’

“I cannot put into words how proud I was of Gordon and all that he had achieved in his career. My deepest thoughts and prayers are with Gordon’s family but especially with Kelly (Gordon’s partner) and his son Kai.”

To leave an online tribute visit www.sonstrust.net or www. lastingtribute.co.uk