Tributes paid to soccer legend John McCrossan

TRIBUTES have been paid to local soccer stalwart John McCrossan who passed away yesterday (Thurs).

Affectionately know as ‘Tosser’ Mr McCrossan managed the now defunct Strabane FC and was also involved in the formation of Strabane Athletic.

Local councillor Raymond Barr was among those who paid tribute.

“To say John was a soccer legend in the town would indeed be an understatement, his involvement and commitment to the Irish F.A. and North West football is well documented but it was his involvement with Strabane FC that will forever be his legacy to Strabane.

“John’s unique style of management endeared him to the countless number of players who turned out for him. Managing Strabane through the troubles was an enormous task and responsibility but ‘Tosser’ was always equal to the task.

“Many Saturday afternoons Tosser could be seen hanging the nets at the UDC pitch and later Roundhill.

“It didn’t matter the weather, Tosser was on the sideline dressed immaculately in black blazer, white shirt and slacks sometimes soaked to the skin. The yarns and stories those who played under ‘Tosser ‘share will live on and no doubt be enhanced in years to come.

“When ill health forced Tosser to hang up his boots he helped Strabane Athletic make the transition from Fermanagh and Western football to Intermediate football with minimum fuss, such was his desire to see what he started maintained and progressed.

“Sadly Strabane and the McCrossan family has lost another Strabane character like his brother Felix before him, but his legendary status is justified and deserved.”