A steady stream of mourners gathered at St John’s church as noon approached. John Boyle led the Motherwell FC contingent as the contribution that Bill had made to the club was acknowledged. He had been a director for more than thirty years and had three spells as chairman.
Bill’s sudden death last week resulted in a series of tributes including this from the current SFA president Campbell Ogilvie: “I have many fond memories of working alongside Bill. He was a tremendously passionate and committed administrator of the game.” Neil Doncaster, chief executive of the SPL, said: “Bill was one of the game’s true gentlemen. He served Motherwell and Scottish football with distinction over many years.”
Motherwell fans paid their respects at Saturday’s home game and a minute’s silence was held before kick off. The funeral service was followed by a burial at Airbles Cemetery, less than a mile from Fir Park.