Scotland hero Steve Clarke recalls football train story with Alex Tulloch

A remarkable story about a match in Largs in the early career of Scotland's footballing hero Steve Clarke has come to light. 

It follows his triumph leading the country to its first major finals in 22 years after beating Serbia on penalties to clinch a spot at next year's Euro 2020. 

The Saltcoats-born manager first became involved in the game when he played at St Mary's Primary and St Andrew's Academy, before moving on to boys club Saltcoats Star. 

With games played across North Ayrshire, Clarke recalled a story which highlighted the ambition of coaches to get him and the rest of his squad to a match in Largs. 

He praised local man Alex Tulloch for going the extra mile to make sure the youngsters made it to the game from Saltcoats. 

Clarke said: "I remember playing a game at Largs where Alex squeezed six of us into his car and put six more on the train, and tried to beat it to Largs station so that he could get all twelve of us there in time. 

"That's what these guys did. They gave up so much of their time to get a team on the pitch for the local kids."

Clarke went on to play for St Mirren and Chelsea before moving in to coaching where he managed at West Brom, Reading, Aston Villa and Kilmarnock. 

He took up the post as national team manager last year and has overseen a revolution for the national side. 

TASS Thistle volunteer Alex Tulloch has been named winner of the People’s Award at the 2014 Scottish FA Grassroots Awards.

The Saltcoats man won the McDonald’s sponsored award because of his outstanding contribution to grassroots football in the local area for over 30 years.

Alex collected the award at Hampden Park last Thursday from McDonald’s Head of Scottish Football, Kenny Dalglish and Scotland Manager Gordon Strachan.

Alex has dedicated over 30 years of his life to Tass Thistle FC and despite now being in his 70s, he has no desire to stop.

He has worked tirelessly to provide young children with an opportunity to play football in a fun and safe environment and thanks to Alex’s hard work the club has continued to be successful and grow.

He spends hours speaking with parents and helping them become club volunteers and coaches, which has allowed the club to expand its provision of football to the local community.

Now Tass Thistle has football sessions for over 200 young boys and girls on a weekly basis.

None of this would have been possible without Alex’s sheer determination and commitment to his local football club.

Collecting his award, Alex said: “It is extremely humbling to have been recognised. I dedicate my time because I love watching the club move forward and being a part of something really special.

“For me, it isn’t about receiving awards, though it is greatly received, but making sure young footballers across Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston get the opportunity to play football. Most importantly, I want to thank everyone involved with Tass Thistle Football Club, without their hard work and determination our club wouldn’t be where it is today.” Football legend Kenny Dalglish said: “Alex is an incredible inspiration to the community that he supports through Tass Thistle Football Club.

“He has been involved with the club for over three decades and has contributed no end to ensure growth and success at the club. Alex is an extraordinary grassroots volunteer who goes above and beyond for Tass Thistle. It was an honour to congratulate him at the awards and a pleasure to meet him and pass on my congratulations.” Now in their 11th year, the Scottish Grassroots Awards, recognise and celebrate the young players, and volunteers in the six Scottish FA Regions, who dedicate their time to grassroots football in their local community.