The ex-wife of Rangers legend Andy Goram led his coffin into a church in Glasgow where mourners gathered to say their goodbyes.
Miriam Wylie was outside the Wellington Church in Hillhead this afternoon as the 58-year-old's funeral procession arrived. She was pictured standing on the steps of the venue talking with Ibrox legend Ally McCoist.
Goram’s coffin was carried by ex team mates Ally Mccoist, John Brown and Alan Rough. His son Danny was also a pall bearer with ex- wife Miriam Wylie and pals Stan Gordon and Baz Gilmour. Attendees arrived to the sound of a lone piper, who struck up around 45 minutes before the service was due to begin at 2pm.
Scottish footballing icons, famous faces and fans were among those to attend the funeral, which took place after a procession made its way passed The Stonefield Tavern in Blantyre - Goram's favourite pub, and crowds gathered outside Ibrox.
Red, white and blue flower arrangements were also placed at the front of the church with people beginning to arrive around 90 minutes before the service started. Many went straight indoors to escape the scorching temperatures, with staff from the Ibrox club offering an order of service and water to those attending.
Among those to arrive early were former players Willie Henderson, Derek Ferguson, John Bomber Brown and Gordon Smith.
Members of the current first team Allan McGregor and skipper James Tavenier also paid their respects with manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst. Sir Alex Ferguson arrived with Gers legend John Greig and the pair took their place at the front of the church.
Goram's ex-Rangers and Scotland team mates including Richard Gough, Charlie Miller, Jim Leighton and Colin Hendry arrived at the same time. Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes and Gordon Durie, also former Ibrox team mates, sat together.
Others spotted at the service included telly star Grado - real name Graeme Stevely - and football broadcaster Chic Young. Although unable to attend, rocker and Celtic fan Rod Stewart sent a floral arrangement in memory of the iconic Ibrox star.
Around 100 fans who arrived wearing Rangers strips were invited to take a seat in the upper level of the church.
John Brown paid a heartfelt tribute to his close pal Goram. He had to pause and compose himself as he said a final farewell. Donald Findlay QC told mourners how his close friendship with Goram made them “the Odd Couple”.
The former Gers chairman joked how when Goram phoned him he would call him "gaffer" if it was a serious conversation, and called him “faither” he wanted to borrow money.
Ally McCoist also gave a moving eulogy in which he paid tribute to Goram’s family and the medical staff who cared for him.
Roseanne Burke from Possilpark was inside the church with her granddaughter Sophie Mccormack, 11.
Roseanne said the atmosphere inside very sad, but the upbeat stories told by Ally McCoist and Bomber made everyone laugh.
She added: “It was very sad but their stories did make us laugh. Ally told one about him saving a penalty against pierre van Hooijdonk and it was very funny. It kept everyone upbeat.
“Andy Goram was a brilliant player and I wanted to pay my respects. I’ve been a fan for many years and also went to Fernando Ricksens funeral."
Goram tragically passed away at St Andrew’s Hospice in Airdrie on Saturday July 2 following a short battle with cancer. The Goalie was diagnosed with stage four oesophageal cancer in April after he thought he was suffering heartburn and indigestion.
The icon had been in the hospice for three weeks after he became too ill to be treated at home.
The former Ibrox keeper, nicknamed 'The Goalie' during his playing days, was a hero of manager Smith's Nine In A Row years during his time in Govan between 1991 and 1998 after signing from Hibs. Goram also represented Scotland 53 times.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .
