St Mirren legend Billy Abercromby has passed away aged 65. The Paisley club announced the tragic news on Tuesday with tributes flooding in for the fan favourite. Abercromby lifted the Scottish Cup as captain with St Mirren in 1987, was inducted into the club Hall of Fame in 2006 and holds the record for the most European appearances. A popular figure amongst supporters, Abercromby was hailed for his “tough tackling, no-nonsense style” with chants of ‘Aber’s gonna get ye’ often heard from the Love Street terraces.
Who was Billy Abercromby?
William Abercromby (14 September 1958 – June 2024) was a Scottish footballer. Abercromby came through the youth ranks at St Mirren and signed a full professional contract in 1975. A year later he experienced his first involvement with the first team squad when Sir Alex Ferguson called him into the squad to tour the West Indies.
On 29 October 1986, Abercromby was sent off for three red card offences, one for foul play and two counts of dissent during a match against Motherwell at Love Street.[1] As a result, he was banned for twelve matches. He won the 1987 Scottish Cup when St Mirren beat Dundee United 1–0 in the final.[1] During the 1980s, Billy was involved in all four of St Mirren’s forays into European competition, playing in nine of the club’s 14 matches, more than any other Saints player.
The midfielder made 367 appearances for St Mirren in a 13-season stay in Paisley before playing for Partick Thistle, Dunfermline, Cowdenbeath and East Stirlingshire.
St Mirren Football Club Statement
“St Mirren Football Club is incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of our 1987 Scottish Cup winning captain Billy Abercromby who has passed at the age of 65. “A St Mirren Hall of Fame inductee, Billy began his career at Saints in 1975 – signing professional terms following a spell at St Mirren Boys’ Club. “Billy spent 13 seasons in Paisley, becoming a fans’ favourite with his tough tackling, no nonsense style, leading to chants of ‘Aber’s gonnae get ye’ from the terraces.
“In his time at Saints, Billy made 367 appearances for the Buddies – nine of which came in European fixtures, a club record. “Billy was a part of our First Division title winning side in 1976/77, our Anglo Scottish Cup winning side of 1980 and famously captained Saints to our third Scottish Cup triumph in 1987 after a 1-0 win over Dundee United at Hampden.
“His final match for the club came in 1987 in the second leg of our European Cup Winners Cup tie against Norwegian side Tromso. “Billy would depart Saints in 1988 when he moved to Partick Thistle and had further spells in his career with the likes of Dunfermline Athletic, Cowdenbeath and East Stirlingshire. “The thoughts of everyone at St Mirren are with Billy’s loved ones at the difficult time.”
