Frank Connor

The Club is deeply saddened to hear of the death of former manager Frank Connor, who passed away earlier today (3rd March) aged 86. Frank, born in Blantyre, lived in Motherwell had been in an Uddingston Nursing Home in recent weeks.

Frank was manager of Berwick Rangers for some 75 games throughout the 1980/81 and 1981/82 campaigns, and was a hugely popular and a colourful character at the club, where he was full-time and living with his family. His first game was in November 1980 and final match as manager at Shielfield Park in May 1982. Frank had taken over from Dave Smith at Shielfield and was succeeded by Jim McSherry who arrived from Ayr.

During his playing days, Frank was a Goalkeeper and as well as Berwick was manager at Raith Rovers and Cowdenbeath, as well as an assistant manager at Morton, Hearts and Motherwell. He played for Celtic between 1961 and 1962, and would re-join his much loved Parkhead club as one of the backroom staff to David Hay in 1983. Frank was also was coaching for Celtic under Liam Brady in 1993, and was for a time the Celtic caretaker manager after Brady left.

Berwick Secretary Dennis McCleary worked with Frank at Shielfield in the same admin capacity 40 years ago and said: “Frank was brilliant to work with, his enthusiasm was infectious and his knowledge on football second to none.

“He certainly could bring the best out of players. We had some great times and some great games including his beloved Celtic here in the Scottish Cup. I spoke to Frank’s wife Margaret today and passed on the sincere condolences of us all at Berwick Rangers to her and children, Thomas, Margaret, Martin, Frankie, Anne, Kirsteen and Geraldine and the grandchildren and great grandson”

Current Berwick stalwarts Eric Tait (playing) and Robert Johnson (coaching) were also at Shielfield at the same time as Frank.

(Pictured is the cover of the Berwick v Celtic Scottish Cup programme from January 1981, showing Frank and then Celts boss Billy McNeill. With thanks to Malcolm Miller and Alan Bell)