Saints will give gate cash to Gordon’s family

Jun 12 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

CARING St Mirren bosses have pledged to donate their share of next month’s pre-season friendly game with Dumbarton to the heartbroken family of Sons captain Gordon Lennon, who was tragically killed in a car accident last weekend.

Gus MacPherson’s side will play the Sons on Thursday, July 16, at the Strathclyde Homes Stadium.

And the Buddies will set aside their share of the gate receipts and donate them to Lennon’s grieving family, who live in Paisley.

Saints vice-chairman George Campbell told the club’s official website: “We have decided that all the proceeds from St Mirren’s share of the gate receipts for the pre-season game against Dumbarton in July will be donated to Gordon Lennon’s family.

“I think it is only right that, as a fellow football club, we try to help out where we can and, while I appreciate it won’t be a lot of money, we hope that it will help out in some small way.

“I believe that admission to the game will only be £5 and £3, so we hope as many of our fans as possible will make the trip over to Dumbarton for this match.”

Lennon, of Linside Avenue, Paisley, was on a family trip to Brahan, near Dingwall, with his partner Kelly and their five-month-old son Kai when tragedy struck.

The 26-year-old proud dad, who won the SFL Third Division title with the Sons last season, was driving a car when it went out of control and hit an electricity pole.

Lennon was rushed to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness on Sunday but, despite the best efforts of medical staff, could not be saved.

Stunned Dumbarton gaffer Jim Chapman said: “Gordon was an inspiration both on and off the park and his influence will be felt by many both within and outwith the club for a long time to come.

“He wasn’t just an excellent footballer, he was a great man with so many qualities and was rarely seen without his trademark smile.”

A book of condolences for Lennon has been opened at Dumbarton’s Strathclyde Homes Stadium for anyone who wishes to pay tribute to the player.