FRANK CONNER PASSES AWAY AT 86

FORMER Celtic caretaker boss Frank Connor has passed away at the age of 86 after a short illness.

The one-time Hoops keeper, who made the breakthrough at Parkhead in the same early sixties era as Frank Haffey and John Fallon, also managed Raith Rovers for four years.

Blantyre-born Connor left for Irish club Portadown in May 1962 after making only eight first-team appearances in which he conceded 13 goals. He also played for St Mirren, Derry City, Albion Rovers and Cowdenbeath.

He was brought onto Davie Hay backroom team in July 1983, but left in February1986. He returned when Liam Brady took charge in 1991 and took over managerial duties for the top side after the Republic of Ireland legend departed the club in October 1993. He was in the dug-out for four games before Lou Macari arrived.

As well as coaching at Parkhead, he was assistant at Hearts, Morton and Motherwell, with spells as manager at Cowdenbeath and Berwick Rangers as well as the Stark’s Park club.

He also had a spell at Hearts in 1990 as Joe Jordan’s first team coach/assistant manager.