Scots footballer, 35, tragically dies as tributes pour in for local hero who came out of retirement to help beloved club
Brian Morgan passed away on Wednesday morning after suffering a cardiac arrest last week and being rushed to hospital for treatment.
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A local hero with Sauchie, Morgan came out of retirement to help the East of Scotland club this season after initially hanging up his boots in May last year.
His return came just a few months after scoring the winner in a cup final that was supposed to be his last match.
Morgan was brought up in Sauchie and first signed for the Reds as a 20-year-old and had been both vice-captain and captain of the club.
He spent two years away from Beechwood Park at Bo'ness United, leaving in 2018 and coming back in 2020.
Sauchie sent their condolences to his wife, Zoe, and daughter, Poppy as they confirmed the news on social media.
They posted a tribute to the midfielder and described him as 'one of their own'.
A statement read: "Sauchie Juniors were saddened to learn of the passing of midfielder Brian Morgan, aged 35.
"Brian passed away on Wednesday morning, following being admitted to hospital after a cardiac arrest.
"Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his wife Zoe and daughter Poppy, as well as his close family, friends and all who knew him.
"Being a local boy to Sauchie, Brian's affiliation with the club started when he watched the team as a youngster before he signed for the club in 2010 as a 20-year-old under former manager and his brother-in-law, Fraser Duncan.
"He contributed a fair share to the club's success and lifting of silverware, including scoring two free kicks to ensure promotion to the East Superleague in 2012.
"After an initial spell of eight-and-a-half years at the club, he moved on to a new challenge at Bo'ness United.
"A notable moment in Brian's second spell came in the final of the East of Scotland League Cup against Haddington Athletic. This game in particular was set to be his final game for the club, announcing he would retire following the game's conclusion.
"Looking to sign off in style, he would score the winner in extra time with a leaping header to ensure victory.
"Brian would take his seat in the stand for the start of the 2024/25 season, but the itch of playing would become too much and he pulled the boots back on last November.
"It wasn't long before he reaffirmed himself as a regular in the starting XI and scoring goals.
"His last game for the club would come on 12th April in a 3-2 home victory over Glenrothes, scoring our first goal to help us on our way to three points.
"Unfortunately, we do not have the exact figures for Brian's appearances and goals for the club over his three spells; both like his contributions are countless.
"Rest in Peace, Morgy. One of our own."
Other clubs from across Scotland paid their respects to Morgan.
League Two side Stirling Albion said: "Everyone at Stirling Albion sends our deepest condolences to everyone at Sauchie along with Brian's family and friends."
West of Scotland Premier Division outfit Clydebank said: "Desperately sad news, our thoughts are with you all."
East of Scotland Premier Division rivals Penicuik Athletic posted: "Everyone at Penicuik Athletic offers our sincerest condolences to everyone at Sauchie, his family and friends following this tragic news."
Dunbar United said: "Absolutely heartbreaking to read this, all our thoughts go out to Brian's family and friends and everyone one at Sauchie. RIP Brian."
Team mate Chris Donnelly posted a photo of the pair and said: "This was taken at training on the Tuesday night, we both scored at the weekend and in usual Morgy style he was trying to say his goal was better from our win, an absolutely amazing player and even better off the park, boy was a legend, devastated, thoughts with his family."
Berwick Rangers midfielder Scott Taylor-MacKenzie, who played against Morgan, said: "We had some battles on the pitch but always a laugh and a hand shake after. Anytime playing Sauchie you knew you have to work hard and if Morgy was up against you then you knew you where in for a f hard day. What a player. Love to Brian's family and to you all at Sauchie."
Fans were quick to share messages of condolence too, with one describing him as a "gentleman".
Another said: "Desperately sad news. Sending condolences to Brian's family and to the club. A real competitor on the pitch."
A third commented: "Horrible news, so sorry to hear this. Brilliant obituary, great to read about his contributions to Sauchie Juniors over the years."
And a Sauchie supporter said: "RIP my friend, Sauchie legend."
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