The club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mr Hugh Crout, President of Caledonian FC during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history, aged 89.
Hugh was President of the Telford Street Club between 1973-1983.
He had served on the Caledonian FC Committee for a number of years, including supervising the reserve team and serving as Vice-President, before succeeding his mentor Dave Birrell as President.
During his term in office, Hugh successfully guided through the launch and early years of the Caley Social Club on Greig Street, Inverness, and had the satisfaction of seeing his side win every trophy, sometimes more than once.
Gordon Fyfe, Director of ICT FC and a Caley player at the time of Hugh’s Presidency, said: “Hugh was a magnificent servant of Caley FC as a supporter, committee member and a passionate and successful President, winning many trophies during his time at the helm.
“His partnership with his close friend, the late Alex Main, as team manager, was a winning combination at Telford Street. He was a real gentleman and made many friends in football, continuing his love for football by supporting ICT right up till the end. The highlight was seeing the club lift the Scottish Cup in 2015. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”
Former captain and manager of Caley, Peter Corbett recalled that Hugh and Alex Main signed him from Clach in 1976.
Peter said: “This was the start of a highly successful period for the club, winning many honours, Hugh was a very fair chairman and a real gent. Hugh tried to include and please everyone. In fact after the turmoil of the merger between Caley and Thistle in 1994 Hugh could be heard at Caley Thistle games shouting “C’mon Inverness”!!!”
Hugh was a manager and director of C H Webster Imperial Typewriters for a number of years. Outwith his great love of football, Hugh’s interests included bridge, jazz, singing and amateur dramatics.
He was the husband of the late Christine, partner of Louise Munro, and father of Carolyn and the late Hugh.
Hugh’s funeral will take place at the funeral home of William T Fraser and Son, Culduthel Road, Inverness, at 2 pm on Monday 14 October.