It is with regret that we have to report the death of a former Hearts man, Andy Fraser, who passed away on 18 September 2018, at the age of 78.

Andy (pictured in the middle row - fourth from the right) was born in Newtongrange, Midlothian on 29 August 1940. Not surprisingly, he was a bright prospect in the town’s famous junior team, Newtongrange Star, where Andy operated at right-half or sometimes centre-half. The 5’10” ball-winner was signed by Hearts on a provisional contract in June 1957, just before his seventeenth birthday, and he was subsequently called-up by manager, Tommy Walker, in April 1958.

The industrious half-back was mainly a reserve during his time at Tynecastle, but provided three seasons of valuable cover for the regulars, John Cumming, Jimmy Milne, Andy Bowman, and latterly, Billy Higgins. It was unfortunate for Andy that the consistency of the senior players restricted him to only four competitive games for Hearts. However, the team won three and drew one of these games, and so Andy Fraser could always boast of a near-perfect record in a maroon shirt.

Three of his appearances came in the League Cup Section during August 1959. Andy played when Hearts won away matches at Kilmarnock and Stirling Albion, and drew 2-2 against Aberdeen at Tynecastle. This set-up the team for a run through to the League Cup Final which was won by 2-1 against Third Lanark. Andy had played his part, although he had to step down when Andy Bowman recovered from injury. His fourth and last appearance was in a League match on 26 November 1960 when Raith Rovers were defeated 1-0 at Tynecastle.

Andy was released at the end of April 1961 and had a brief spell in Canada with Toronto City before joining Hartlepools United in October 1961. He subsequently scored two goals in 85 competitive games for the Fourth Division club which he left in June 1964. He returned home to Newtongrange Star where Andy played for another five seasons.

Our sincere condolences are extended to Andy Fraser’s family and friends.