Carlisle United were saddened to learn of the passing of former-Blue Hugh Fletcher, who was described as a ‘true gentleman’ by everyone he met.
Born on 8 April 1933 in Lochgilphead, he played for his local club as he trained to be a telecommunications engineer with the Post Office.
He was signed by Celtic in 1952, but had to complete his National Service at Catterick Camp, with the Royal Signals, before continuing his football career.
He was signed for the Blues ahead of the 1957/58 campaign by Fred Emery, and scored 20 goals in 136 appearances as he played alongside the likes of Alf Ackerman, Ivor Broadis, Alan Ashman, Paddy Waters and Jimmy Whitehouse.
Chairman Andrew Jenkins said: “He was one of a group of Scottish players who joined the club at that time and he was extremely professional and methodical in the way he went about things.
“He was a very good full-back, but we went through a spell under Andy Beattie where we struggled to score goals, so Andy pushed Hugh forward as a striker.
“Hugh went on an amazing run [12 goals in 12 games between November 1958 and the middle of February 1959] and that was him handed the number 9 shirt.
“Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time.”
