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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Sian Traynor

Edinburgh tributes flood in for Hearts legend Drew Busby after death at 74

Tributes have flooded in for former Heart of Midlothian footballer Drew Busby after he passed away on Friday (July 1.)

Speaking in an emotional statement, his son, Alan Busby, confirmed on social media that his father had died "surrounded by family" at the age of 74.

Kind words were instantly shared about the legendary player, who had an incredible stint at the Gorgie club back in the 1970s.

Sharing pictures of his father from his football heydays to his more recent time as a doting grandparent, son Alan said: "Our family are saddened to say that our amazing Dad/Husband and Papa, Drew Busby passed away this morning surrounded by his family.

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"We are very much in mourning but appreciate all the many kind words being sent to us. A legend to some, a hero to others, we are so proud of him."

Originally starting his career at smaller Scottish clubs in the late 1960s, Busby had been an Airdrie player in 1973 when the club faced relegation.

Busby had made it into the Hearts hall of fame (Alan Busby/twitter)

However, Hearts manager at the time Bobby Seith had made the decision to sign Busby for the Gorgie side, a decision which would see the player have an incredible run in Edinburgh.

In just six seasons, Busby was able to score an impressive 84 goals, as well as making an appearance in the 1976 Scottish Cup final.

Leaving Hearts in 1979, Busby also went on to manage Queen of the South before retiring from the game in the 1980s.

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Almost four decades on from his time at Tynecastle, Busby is still known as a hero for many Hearts supporters, who were some of many sharing tributes after the news of his death.

Speaking on twitter, broadcaster and compere Scott Wilson said: "The great Drew Busby sadly passed away this morning and the Hearts family has lost another legend.

:He was one of the most humble, self effacing men I ever met and I was honoured to be classed as a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Former golfer Ewan Murray also shared a tribute to Busby, writing: "Drew Busby seemed permanently taken aback by the esteem he was held in by Hearts supporters. A lovely, humble man.. and an icon for followers of a certain age.

"His legend will live on in song."

Fans also spoke out on social media to share their sadness at the news, with one Hearts supporter @psy_goose stating: "Drew Busby, it’s one thing to be loved, it’s another to be sung about 40 years later when most of us never saw him play.

"A Hearts legend."

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