It is with great sadness that Stirling University FC announces the passing of our former East of Scotland Football League Club Secretary, Tom Hardman. Tom bravely fought against cancer before passing on 5 August 2024 surrounded by his family.
Tom lived in Tullibody and regularly attended games home and away. He started watching the team in its first season in the East of Scotland Football League in 2008-2009. Tom brought his youngest child Stephen along to matches, who swiftly became the team mascot. Tom and Stephen would walk and catch buses and trains all over Scotland to follow the team. Once, Tom hired a car and took his whole family out to watch Stirling play against St Cuthbert Wanderers in Kirkcudbright – a 250 mile round trip!
Tom would write match reports and send them to the Sports Communications Officer, which were used for the website and home programmes. He kept appearance and goal stats for the team, which included all the goals of the then Journeyman Striker and now Head Coach, Chris Geddes!
His strength of commitment to the club turned into taking a committee role as the Club’s East of Scotland Football League Secretary, involving more bus journeys to Biggar and beyond for league meetings. He also helped the club with licensing applications and attended meetings with the Scottish FA.
During this period, Tom then well into his fifties, once graced the hallowed intramural football turf at the Uni and nearly scored with a van Persie-like lob volley finish. The bib did fit a little tight!
Tom loved, and was very proud of, all his children and grandchildren. His children all had connections to Stirling. Tom worked in Clarks in Stirling alongside his eldest daughter Heather for many years. Stacey graduated from Stirling Uni and was a first aider for the club for a short period, while Stephen and Lisa completed work experience with the Sports Department.
Tom will be missed by all at Stirling University FC past and present. Our love, thoughts and prayers go to all his family and friends. Gone but never forgotten RIP Tom!
