George Dobbie's career was cut short but friendships lasted

Mr Dobbie became known as an outstanding striker when he stepped up to Stoneyburn Juniors and was recruited by Third Lanark in October 1951.

Despite some ankle problems, he performed well at the club and was released in April 1957, allowing him to sign for Hearts the following month.

However, he never managed to play for the senior team during his one season with the Tynecastle side because he was sidelined after a cartilage operation.

He went to Raith Rovers in July 1958 on a free transfer and quickly became established in the Kirkcaldy side.

But his run of bad luck continued and during a match against Hearts in February in 1959, Mr Dobbie suffered a compound fracture of his left leg. The injury ended his career and Mr Dobbie was released by Raith Rovers in April 1960.

A benefit match between Hearts and Raith Rovers was played for him on October 31, 1960, where a crowd of 6600 witnessed a 2-2 draw. It was testament to his popularity that the Terrible Trio of Alfie Conn, Willie Bauld and Jimmy Wardhaugh – three of the legends from the Gorgie club's golden age between 1954 and 1965 – came together for a final reunion to play in the match.

A spokeswoman for Heart of Midlothian said the club had paid their respects on Saturday, holding a minute's silence in memory of the player before their match against Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Several representatives from the club were also present at his funeral yesterday.

Although he never played professional football again, Mr Dobbie imparted his experience on countless youngsters, offering sports coaching at the Craigshill Club in Livingston, where he lived with his family.

An all-round sportsman, Mr Dobbie was also a keen golfer with Pumpherston Golf Club, where he was a member for over 30 years.

Robert Brown, vice-captain of Pumpherston Golf Club, said: "He introduced me to golf 25 years ago. He taught at the Craigshill Club in Livingston and was the Club and Institute Union representative there. As the boys left football he led them down the golf route.

"We used to say golf was an old man's game, but he told us to get down there and try it. He introduced a lot of members to Pumpherston Golf Club.

"He was a very keen sportsman. He was very competitive, but it was all in good spirit."

And Mr Dobbie was as popular on the green as off.

Mr Brown continued: "He was a character. George was the life and soul of the party, as well as a shoulder to cry on when you needed it.

"Every time you saw him, he always had a smile on his face."

Mr Dobbie was married to the late Margaret, with whom he had two children, Irene and Elaine. He also had four grandchildren.

Mr Brown added: "His wife died a year ago and George never really recovered from that. He was very family orientated."

He died suddenly at home last Monday, aged 76.

Taken from the Scotsman