Former Dumbarton FC players return for Gordon Lennon memorial match

Nov 20 2009 by Andy Galloway, Lennox Herald (main ed)

ROSS Forbes made a six-hour flight home from Scotland’s under-21 game in Azerbaijan to play in Sunday’s memorial match.

The 20-year-old, now an SPL regular with Motherwell, was desperate to pay tribute to Gordon Lennon despite the long-haul journey.

And he admits he wouldn’t be where he is now had he not gone on loan to Sons last season.

He said: “It was a good day all round, and good to be part of something for Gordon.

“I got back home at 2am on Sunday morning, but I wanted to be involved.

“Anything like what happened is always a massive shock. You don’t wish it on anybody, and it’s still hard to take.

“So it was important to me to play, as I don’t think I’d be where I am now if I hadn’t come to Dumbarton.”

Former Sons favourite Ryan Borris, a team-mate of Gordon’s at St Peter’s BC in Paisley, was another who returned to the Rock to play.

The winger, now with Ayr United, said: “I was shocked and deeply saddened by Gordon’s death, especially with him looking after his family and having just become a dad.

“So I’m very glad I was asked to be a part of the game, and it was good to return to Dumbarton as well.

“Gordon and I were at St Peter’s for a few seasons and we later kept in touch through playing senior football.

“It was a sad day, but the game was played in the right spirit, as it was all about enjoying it and celebrating Gordon’s life.”