BALLYMENA United are saddened by the news that former player-manager Alex McCrae has died at the age of 89.

The likeable Scot will be remembered for producing arguably the greatest ever Ballymena United side which won the Irish Cup in 1958, defeating Linfield in the showpiece final.

Born on 2nd January, 1920 he began his career in his native Scotland with Hearts in 1941 as dangerous striker; he soon moved South after the Second World War to Charlton Athletic in 1947.

After a medicore spell in London he moved to Middlesbrough for £10,000 and proved to be a great success scoring numerous goals in his five seasons in the North East and also was on the verge of earning International recognition.

His first spell at Falkirk lasted four years as a player from 1953-1957 before he travelled across the water to take up position as player manager of Ballymena United, who were in a disastrous state at the time.

In his three successful seasons at the Braid he reached two Irish Cup finals (winning one) and will be remembered for unearthing talents such as Eddie Russell and Norman Clarke combined with a number of Scottish exiles which formed a United side that has gone down in the folklore of the town.

Alex returned to manage Falkirk and was inducted into their hall of fame. Unfortunately due to ill health, Alex was not able to attend the 50th anniversary of the 1958 cup winning side last year.

McCrae died on Thursday October 8th. in St.Johns Hospital, Livingston at the age of 89, just three months short of his 90th birthday. He is survived by his daughter.