Inverness Caledonian Thistle legend Alan Hercher dies, aged 52
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TRIBUTES have been paid to Inverness Caledonian Thistle’s first ever captain, Alan Hercher, who has died aged 52.
The club said it was “deeply saddened” to learn of the death of very popular former player and offered its “sincerest condolences” to his wife, Karen, and children, Alan and Claire.
The club’s head of youth, Charlie Christie, who was a long-time friend and team-mate of Mr Hercher, added: “‘Alan was more than a terrific football player; he was a terrific individual who was hugely respected by all those who played alongside him and against him.
“It was fitting he scored the club’s first ever hat trick in the Scottish League and he followed this up with so many important goals for the club in our early years.
“Big ‘Herchie’ was a truly great Highland footballer who will be sorely missed by me and by so many others.”
A native of Beauly, Mr Hercher’s career began at Ross County before signing for Caledonian in 1986. When Caledonian and Inverness Thistle merged in 1994 he was named club captain of the newly-formed Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
During his three seasons with Caley Thistle, he played 79 matches and scored 23 times. He also won a Division Three winners medal in 1996/97 and was awarded a testimonial against St Johnstone that summer.
After leaving the club he went on to play for Highland League outfits Clachnacuddin and Brora Rangers.
