Andy Provan

All

Just seen this sad news posted on Southport FC forum

https://southportfc.net/andy-provan-rest-in-peace/

And this from our past players section
The signing of forward Andy on non-contract terms from Torquay United a few weeks into the 1977-78 season proved a master-stroke by manager Brian Godfrey as his goals helped City win the Southern League. A widely travelled and experienced player Andy had player for St Mirren, Barnsley, York City, Chester City, Wrexham and Southport, plus a spell in the US with the Philadelphia Aces.
BCFC 70 appearances and 21 goals

In the championship season he played 54 times, scoring 21. Second in goals behind George Gibbs.
In that game at Weymouth he scored 4, but that achievement was often overlooked by 'Richard Bournes goal of the century'

As ever any player associated with THAT team will be remembered with fondness.

Sad, remember the little man well, recall he scored the only goal in the vital (weren't they all) win at Kettering that season. Alas, I wasnt one of the rumored 5000 City fans at Weymouth ! Rip Andy, you did us proud.

This is what I wrote in the Champions Book that was published in 2003 about Andy.

Andy joined on a non-contract basis after being released by Torquay where he had failed to regain his place after an injury saw him sidelined for the last weeks of the previous season. Together with Colin and Peter, they were the senior heads that could be relied upon for stability amongst what was still a young team. Small in stature but big in experience, Andy had wide-ranging league career encompassing St Mirren, Barnsley, York, Chester, Wrexham, and Southport. He'd also had a spell in the North American league where he'd just missed being signed for Los Angeles in favour of Eusabio. He ended up playing for the Philadelphia Aces with whom he won a championship medal. Never flashy but extremely powerful and exceptionally skilful, he formed a great partnership with Peter Rogers and Martin Wheeler, exploiting the pace of the youngsters. With increased competition for places and finding the travelling a disadvantage, he left at the start of the following season, preferring a guaranteed game to the sub’s bench or the stands. City retained his registration in case an emergency beckoned, as he was always willing to step into the breach. Playing and later managing at county football level he won the top divisions championship as player-manager at the age of 47. Now 59, he still plays five-a-side.

This is very sad news. Although I constantly bang on about the goal of the century at Weymouth it was Andy’s four goals on that unforgettable day which killed off our main challengers for the title. He was a crucial part of that great side and his signing just before the season started was a master stroke by Brian Godfrey.

We organised a reunion for the 25th anniversary of the title win but unfortunately Andy couldn’t attend. However he was able to come to the match a week earlier along with his old team mate Nigel Ryan. Andy was great company that day and it was lovely to reminisce about that wonderful season.

RIP Andy (Bath City Legend)