OCTOBER 24, 2015: Long-serving Morton kitman Andy Bryan was the one making a quick change after dashing from dressing room to ballroom for a glitzy event held in his honour.
A star-studded line-up of footballers past and present were among a 270-strong crowd at Port Glasgow Town Hall for Andy’s testimonial dinner.
He dashed from Morton’s away match at Falkirk, along with the majority of the current Ton first team squad and management team, to join a host of ex-players, including ‘Mr Morton’ Allan McGraw, Iain McDonald and Stevie Aitken at the reception.
His long-time pal, Rangers and Scotland legend Andy Goram, was also there and gave an entertaining speech, as did Port businessman Drew McKenzie, while acclaimed Scottish comedian Andy Cameron was the MC.
The Rae family, including Morton chairman Douglas and director son Crawford, were among many in attendance to show their support to the popular kitman, who had been involved with his boyhood heroes for more than 40 years.
Andy’s dad and namesake Andy, 82, also came over from his hometown of Millport along with family and friends from Largs and Falkirk.
The kitman was given a testimonial match against a Celtic select side earlier this year and said the follow-up dinner was the icing on the cake.
Andy told the Tele: “It wasn’t about the money — don’t get me wrong, I made a wee bit — but to have the recognition is incredible.
“I would like to thank Mr Rae, because if it wasn’t for him agreeing to the testimonial then it wouldn’t have happened.”
The hall was packed out with plenty of Morton fans and local business owners. The level of support overwhelmed the Cappielow stalwart, who paid tribute to everyone who made his testimonial such a huge success.
He said: “I originally booked the Gamble Halls thinking I would be lucky to fill that.
“But it just took off with table after table and I had to get back on the phone to Inverclyde Leisure who offered me Port Glasgow Town Hall.
“To be given the whole testimonial thing is a great honour.
“Two events is plenty, I didn’t want to boot the backside out of it! The game with Celtic couldn’t have gone any better and I was absolutely delighted with the dinner.
“Susan and Lesley Ann at the club were a great help. It was a massive honour and I can’t thank everyone enough.”
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