Crowdfunder for East Kilbride Thistle hero's family is launched after tragic death

A crowdfunder has been launched to support the young family of East Kilbride Thistle hero Alan Paterson, following his tragic death yesterday at the age of just 44.

The former Jags manager and players was found dead at his home in The Murray area of the town, leaving his partner Julie and two young sons Kian, 6, and Aiden, 10, devastated.

The grief-stricken family are struggling to come to terms with the incredible loss of the much-loved postal worker, who brought a smile to hundreds of residents across the town through his work and his roles in football over the last few decades.

And now the community is rallying round the Paterson family with the launch of a fundraising page to support them during this terrible time.

Starting with an initial target of £2,000, that figure has been quickly surpassed and more than doubled in less than 24 hours.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the crowfunding can visit the link here and donate online.

Tributes have continued to flood in for the ex-Cambuslang Rangers manager and former EKYM player, with messages of condolence coming in from across the football community in Scotland for a man described as having "a heart of gold" who "loved his football and having a laugh."

Former Motherwell and Hearts defender Rab McKinnon, who lives in the town, posted on social media: "Absolutely devastated at Patsys passing.

"Such an infectious character and always the player that picked people up with a joke or one liner.

"My prayers are with Alan’s family at this difficult time."

And former EK Thistle and Cambuslang Rangers boss Alan Wardlaw posted: "Absolutely shattered by this news.

"I played with and managed Alan at Cambuslang Rangers. He was a wind up and patter merchant.

"Was very well known