Inverness Caledonian Thistle is deeply saddened to announce the death of its long serving and highly respected groundsman, Tommy Cumming after a long illness bravely borne. Tommy passed away in the excellent care of the Highland Hospice, aged 77.
Tommy was married to Margaret and had two sons, Thomas and Gary. He also leaves 8 grandchildren, Thomas, Adam, Maisie, Mhairi, Caitlin, Lewis, Melanie and Seb.
In tribute to Tommy’s truly outstanding service to the club, there will be a minute’s applause at Saturday’s game at Caledonian Stadium against Dundee. Players will also wear black arm bands.
From Geddes, near Nairn, Tommy’s first active involvement in the game came in the early 1970s when he was appointed groundsman at Grant Street Park, Inverness – home of Clachnacuddin FC.
He soon moved to Telford Street, Inverness – the home of Caledonian FC, where he served for 20 years as groundsman and kitman.
When Caledonian and Inverness Thistle merged in 1994, Tommy joined the new club and served continuously since that time, caring for the pitch at Caledonian Stadium and more latterly the club’s training pitches at Fort George.
During his career, he also worked with Highland Omnibuses, MacRae and Dick and Stratton Dairy, as a milkman.
Former Thistle, Clach and Caley player Peter Corbett, who first met Tommy when they were working with Highland Omnibuses and continued their friendship at Clach and Caley, said: “Tommy lived for his family and football. He was a great groundsman but his interest in the game went well beyond keeping the pitch in good order. His enthusiasm was infectious and he was passionate about the team, getting to know all the players.”
“The number of visitors he received at the Hospice was remarkable and demonstrated the friendships he made down the years and the respect players and management had for him. He was a legend. And will be sorely missed. Our sympathies go to Margaret, Thomas and Gary and the wider family at this time.”
Jim Falconer, former secretary of ICT and a close friend, said: “Tommy was a good friend and I will miss him. He was an award winning groundsman. There are so many stories about Tommy and the lengths he went to provide the best pitch and kit possible. It was his pride and joy and he took it personal if a match had to be postponed because of the weather.”
Club CEO Scot Gardiner said, “Right up until the last few weeks when Tommy was gravely ill, he still made incredible efforts to make our home games along with one of his oldest friends, our former Club Secretary Jim Falconer. He was always positive about the team and the club no matter how the game went. He will be sorely missed by all of us at Caledonian Stadium, particularly Groundsman Dale Stephen, and our deepest condolences go to his family and friends. Tommy was such a character and in terms of service to football in Inverness, we won’t see his like again.”