After being part of Nithsdale Wanderers in some capacity for 50 years up until his death in February this year, George ‘Geordie’ Bain has had the newly refurbished lounge named in his memory in a very fitting tribute to the beloved club stalwart.

Geordie, a former player, coach, manager and chairman for Nithsdale Wanderers Football Club died after a long battle with Motor Neurone Disease at the age of 66.

And last Sunday, Nithsdale Wanderers reopened their refurbished lounge in the club’s pavilion at Lorimer Park in Sanquhar in Geordie’s honour.

Mrs Joan Bain along with her family and friends, representatives of Propel, Whiteside Hill Community Fund Foundation Scotland, past players and committee members were invited to the opening of the lounge.

The lounge was renamed after Mr George Bain, who was better known as Geordie to everyone.

Geordie had been involved with Nithsdale Wanderers for around 50 years or more, from kicking a ball behind the goals as a boy, playing for the club as a youth, then returning to play for Nithsdale after a very successful junio rfootball career.

When he retired from playing Geordie joined the club’s committee and latterly became President.

Unfortunately, in September 2019 Geordie was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

He stayed on the committee for as long as he was fit and was still the club president until he lost his fight with Motor Neurone Disease on February 14, 2021.

After his death, Nithsdale Wanderers approached Mrs Bain and the family asking if they would give permission for the club to name the lounge after Geordie.

Joan and her family agreed to this stating it was a fitting tribute to Geordie as he had given so many years of service to the club.

A memorial bench was also installed at the club, with the inscription: “In loving memory of George Bain ‘LEGEND’ 1956-2021”.

A spokesperson from the club said this week: “Nithsdale would like to thank Joan and her family, along with everyone who attended the opening.

“The club would like to offer an open invitation to the local community to visit the pavilion on match days to take advantage of the refurbished facilities.”

The club were able to complete the refurbishment works thanks to the support of Propel, Whiteside Hill Community Fund Community Windpower (Sanquhar 1 ) and Upper Nithsdale Trust, who approved Nithsdale ‘s grant application thus releasing funds for the work.