SCOTTISH football has paid its respects after the shock death of former Hearts and Dundee Utd coach Gary Kirk.
Kirk, a long time member of the backroom team under Craig Levein and Peter Houston at Dundee Utd, Kirk also spent a whopping 17 years at the Jambos across two different spells.
And he had only recently taken up a major new role as Dunfermline‘s full time head of scouting for the UK and Ireland when he passed away whilst taking in a match south of the border.
Dunfermline wrote: “Everyone at Dunfermline Athletic was devastated to learn of the passing of Gary Kirk.
“A well-known and hugely respected figure in Scottish football, Gary had only last week joined the club as our full-time Head Scout for the UK and Ireland and sadly passed away last night while taking in a match south of the border.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Read More Football Stories
FEAST OF STEPHEN
‘I was offered Rangers CEO job’ says ex-Dundee Utd chief Stephen Thompson
MEGA OFFERS
Rangers & Celtic: Best free bets, bonuses and sign-up offers
Hearts wrote: “Everyone at Heart of Midlothian Football Club is devastated to learn of the passing of Gary Kirk.
“Gary was a popular and much-loved figure at Hearts, whose service to the club spanned 17 years across two spells. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Gary’s wife Lynn, his family and friends at this desperately sad time.”
Dundee Utd wrote: “Everyone at Dundee United Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gary Kirk.
“A warm, infectious character, Gary was a popular and highly respected coach at Tannadice during the stewardship of Craig Levein and Peter Houston between 2006 and 2013.
“An important member of the backroom team, Gary played his part in guiding the club to Scottish Cup glory in 2010, and his energy and enthusiasm were at the heart of the celebrations that followed that unforgettable triumph.
“Well known and admired across Scottish football, Gary also brought his experience and passion to roles with Cowdenbeath, Raith Rovers, and Heart of Midlothian.
“The sympathies of everyone at Dundee United are with Gary’s wife, Lynn, and his family and friends at this very difficult time.”
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
