Tributes paid to former Elgin City and Lossiemouth player Ally Shewan after his death at 83
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Tributes have been paid to former Elgin City and Lossiemouth player and Aberdeen captain Ally Shewan who has died at the age of 83.
Born in Turriff on August 5, 1940, Shewan grew up as an Aberdeen fan and started his playing career with Formartine United before signing provisional forms for Aberdeen in 1958.
After becoming a full-time professional in 1959, Ally made his first team debut against Third Lanark on March 20, 1962, in a 5-3 win. He went on to make the left-back spot virtually his own during the ‘60s.
During his Pittodrie career, Ally came close to winning silverware but was disappointed to end up on the losing side in the 1964 Summer Cup final against Hibernian as well as in the 1967 Scottish Cup final when Aberdeen were beaten by Celtic.
Later that summer, Ally was in the side that lost out 6-5 in ‘over time’ to Wolverhampton in the Presidents Cup Final in the USA.
Despite those disappointments, Ally led Aberdeen with distinction through a tough time under Tom Pearson and latterly the great improvements when Eddie Turnbull took over.
A tough, uncompromising full-back, he was a consistent performer and tough competitor, who was rarely injured.
Ally listed Jimmy Johnstone, the Celtic winger, as his most difficult opponent while Partick’s Firhill ground was one of his favourite away venues.
Ally eventually left Aberdeen in 1969 following a contract dispute, which was a sad end to his playing spell at Pittodrie. After a short stay in Australia, Ally returned to see out his career in the Highland League.
In 1971 he returned with his Elgin City side that played Aberdeen as the Dons opened the defence of the cup at Pittodrie against the Highland league club.
After winning honours with Elgin, he finished his career with Ross County and then Lossiemouth. After his career had finished, he spent 30 years in the oil industry.
Elgin City announced at last night's match at Borough Briggs that a minute's silence will be held before Saturday's clash with East Fife.
A Lossiemouth FC statement reads: "Lossiemouth are saddened to hear of the passing of former player and manager Ally Shewan. Our thoughts go out to his family at such a sad time."
