Harthill honours legend Adam and his family

Aug 6 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

A HARTHILL legend was honoured last weekend when the club hosted a testimonial match for Dick Adam.

The Harthill legend passed away just before Christmas and left a gaping hole in the club.

Adam, who was affectionately known as Wee Dick, was secretary for many years at a club which operated as a real family affair, with his wife Helen and the couple’s three girls also in the thick of the action, helping with all manner of duties, including selling pies on match days.

As a result of Dick’s lengthy dedication and service, club officials created the Dick Adam Memorial Trophy which was contested for the first time on Saturday.

Shotts Bon Accord provided the opposition in what is to become an annual fixture with all proceeds from the match going to McMillan Nursing at St John’s Hospital.

The Adam family surpassed even their own expectations by raising more than £1100 at an emotional day at Gibbshill Park.

And Helen wanted to thank everyone who made the day such a happy occasion.

She said: “We would like to thank everyone who helped make this a very special day. The game was sponsored by Alec Downes and we would like to thank Alec, the players and supporters for turning out in numbers. Dick would have appreciated today.

“The officials also refused to take their fee as they had worked beside Dick at Alexander Coaches in Camelon.

“It was a very nice day and once again many thanks to everyone.”

As for the game itself, Harthill edged out Shotts 4-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout after a goalless draw.

Harthill keeper Ally Nealey picked up the Man of the Match award for his shoot-out heroics where he saved two penalties to keep the Dick Adam Memorial Trophy in Harthill — exactly where Wee Dick himself would have wanted to be.