Former City defender Ian MacFarlane and Club Volunteer pass away

The club are very sad to hear that former player Ian MacFarlane has passed away aged 86.

A Lanark-born full-back who had played for Aberdeen and Chelsea, Ian signed for City in July 1959 from Leicester City and went on to make 330 appearances, many of which were with the legendary Charlie Fleming.

The most memorable of those eight seasons was undoubtedly the first. Playing in a formidable defence alongside goalkeeper Ian Black, Tony Book, George Scott, Paddy Hale and Frank Meadows, Ian helped the team defeat Millwall and Notts County in the FA Cup before a defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion at Twerton Park in front of the all time record crowd of 18 000. City went on to win the Southern League title for the first time in their history just a few weeks later.

Under manager Malcolm Allison there was another fine cup run in 1964 which was finally ended in the third round by first division Bolton Wanderers in a replay at Burnden Park.

Ian became part of a three-man management committee during the 1966-67 season and soon after retired from playing to become a coach at Sheffield Wednesday. He went on to manage with Carlisle United in the early 1970s, had caretaker spells at Sunderland and Leicester City and for a short period managed Yeovil Town.

But he retained fond memories of his time at Twerton Park and was one of the former players invited back to the club’s relaunch event some twenty years ago, entertaining supporters with his memories and anecdotes.

The thoughts of all connected with City are with Ian’s family and friends at this time.

The Club is deeply saddened to announce that director John Reynolds’ partner, Carolyn Briscoe, has passed away after a long illness, which she battled bravely against.

Carolyn was a regular in the TR Hayes Lounge on match days, helping John to welcome supporters and looking after the visiting club’s officials. Although a relatively late comer to the City cause, having grown up in the north, she became a passionate supporter and regularly accompanied John to away fixtures.

John would like to pass on his thanks for all the messages of support he has received over the last few months.