Remembering Tam Forysth
Remembering the great Tom Forsyth who has passed away at the age of 71. He played for Motherwell and Rangers and was integral to the winning Scotland teams of 1976 & 77. His final match was v Netherlands at the World Cup in 1978.
Here’s his most famous moment, his game-saving tackle against Mick Channon (7.50 in). Also see a stonewall penalty against Dalglish that still rankles (4.53) and King Kenny’s ‘through the legs’ goal against Ray Clemence.
Highlights from a great game at Hampden. Hard to see a weak link in that team with quality right through it: Rough, McGrain, Rioch, Gemmill and with Jordan and Dalglish at their peak.
Those were the days.
I sorely doubt if we’ll ever see a Scottish fitba’ team of that quality again.
Though he made his living from football Tom Forsyth’s chosen sport was bowls. He was a first-class bowler and won the Stonehouse BC club championship on several occasions.
I was absolutely shocked to read the news about Tom Forsyth last night. He was comparatively young. I was a teenager in the 1970s and an ardent Rangers supporter. I first saw ( in person) Tam play in the No.4 shirt in the first game of the 1977-78 season at Pittodrie when we lost 3-1 to Aberdeen. That day a young man called Davie Cooper played his first league game for Rangers. We went on to win the treble. I could still name the whole team backwards in my sleep.
I was down in Ibrox corporate hospitality in late 2018 and I actually met my boyhood hero and have a picture with him. We chatted about the great games of the 1970s /80s and I raised his tackle on Mike Channon. He emphasised how important it was that players learn to play with both feet! He was a lovely humble man who was really enjoying meeting the crowds of bears who wanted to reminisce with him.
One moment the author might have mentioned was that Tom actually had the opportunity to make it 4 – 2 in the Scotland v Holland game in Mendoza. Oddly, he had an open goal to head into but hit the bar. His talents were not in goal scoring but he did score that important goal for us against Celtic in 1973.
Tom Forsyth and Davie Cooper were my boyhood heroes. Both very sadly departed.
Rest in peace Jaws
William