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Ron Scott (journalist)

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Ron Scott
Born
Ronald Scott

1947
Dundee, Scotland
Died5 May 2018 (aged 70)
Dundee, Scotland
OccupationJournalist

Ronald Scott (1947 – 5 May, 2018) was a Scottish football journalist who worked for The Sunday Post for nearly fifty years. He was sports editor at the newspaper for 28 years.

Early life

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Scott was born in Dundee in 1947.[1] Jimmie, his father, worked as a scout for English club Preston North End north of the border.[2]

A "promising full-back", Scott earned a trial with St Johnstone, and marked Willie Johnston, Rangers' quick outside left, in his only game.[2]

Journalism

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After his football career failed, Scott began work as an apprentice with DC Thomson, which was based in his hometown. He reported on his first match, a pre-season friendly, in the summer of 1968.

He was present at the Hillsborough disaster of 1989.[2]

Scott became Chief Football Writer at the Post in January 2002.[2] His column was called The Voice of Experience.[2]

Up until his retirement in 2012, Scott phoned his match reports to a copytaker.[2] For his retirement celebration, Sir Alex Ferguson recorded a tribute message to Scott.[3]

Personal life

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Scott was married to Wendy. He had a brother, Bruce, and a daughter, Susan.[2]

He was a Dundee F.C. fan, and also served on the committee of Dundee Violet F.C.[2]

In 2007, at the age of 60, Scott became the president of the Scottish Football Writers' Association. He remained in the role for three years.[2]

Death

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Scott died on 5 May 2018, aged 70, after a short illness. He submitted his last column from his bed at Dundee's Ninewells Hospital[2] just over 24 hours before he died.[4]

Tributes to his life came from Gordon Strachan and Walter Smith, amongst others, with the latter saying:

He was the first journalist to ever show an interest in me as a footballer when I was at Dundee United and was the first man to interview me. He took me for lunch that day – a couple of Scotch pies and a few pints! That was about 50 years ago and our relationship remained intact as I trusted him 100%. He was a genuine man who enjoyed life, enjoyed his work and loved his family. He has gone far too soon, and will be missed.

— Walter Smith, May 2018[2]

References

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