It is with great sadness we have learned of the passing of a great friend, supporter and person in Dougie Bell, More affectionately known as Charlie Dog.

Following a battle in recent years with illness, we send our deepest condolences to Christine, Dougie’s family, and friends in this very sad time for all.

Before recent illness, Dougie, Charlie Dog or just “CD” was the life and soul of the club on a home Matchday. A self-proclaimed comedy genius, CD would hold court at the corner of the bar in the big room post game every week. A magnet for all banter, it is very fitting the corner became known as, and is still referred to as “Charlie Dog” corner.

Charlie affectionately looked after all the young ones and made sure everyone had a beer. This would often migrate up the street in the later hours. No one ever had a bad game; it was only encouragement from Mr Bell.

In recent years, even when absent, Charlie's friends would naturally congregate in said corner to chew the fat, just as CD would do.

Sadly, another true Black Red has left us.

[Photo courtesy of John Burns] Here with John Burns, Fred Studholme
Gordon Wilson, Willie Hoskins & Keith Laidlow. With Joe Yabba peeping through the crowd. A great bunch of Black Red players and later supporters. Unfortunately only John and Willy are now with us.

TRIBUTES FROM THE CLUB FACEBOOK PAGE

George Doggart
Spent many a Sunday with
Charlie Dog, John C , Donald Stagg and Ray Boy. 5 s n 3 s and always a great laugh RIP

Julie Taylor
Just heard, so sad, lovely man. Thoughts to the family.

Adrian Harker
A permanent personality at Bower Park and before that on Bedford Sq. Wonderful company with a wicked dry sense of humour. Had a nickname to die for. Do you know where it comes from ? Charlie was the person who got Fred Storey to come and play for us as they both worked for John Laing. Has been sadly missed over the last couple of years by his friends at the club , never to be seen again. R.I.P old friend. There will never be another Charlie Dog.

Gordon Metcalf
Loved by many with that cheeky grin

Lee Tinnion
What a man, always made me laugh. Rest easy Charlie

Julie Hewitson
Thinking of Christine xxx ???rip cd xxx

John Tinnion
Top man CD lots of memories
Down at club also in Sun Inn.
RIP old pal

Ian Batty
Very sad news..rest easy CD..sincere condolences to Christine and all family

Steve Hanley
Gutted
What a bloke ❤️

Julian Bell
RIP Charlie ♥️

Colin Noble
Great bloke!!! RIP CD!

Glen Burgess
So sad aspatria legend ❤️

John Burns
A Charlie dog story. Charlie was cd's black and white lurcher, used to go rabbiting down whinbarrows and fields round about. Charlie was so clever when he chased a rabbit into whin bushes or brambles he wouldn't charge in after them, no, Charlie hit the bushes with his paw till the rabbit ran out then he caught it. What a dog ?

Helen Lee
Sad news sincere condolences to all his family ?❤️

Liz Tinnion
So sad RIP Charlie Dog one in a million xx

Jeffrey Dixon
Sad loss Rip CD

Mel Hanley
Tragic news , gutted when I heard before, please pass my sympathy to Christine as away at min.
What a top man?
RIP CD

Barie Rumney
Really sad news about Charlie dog. I true black and red and a true friend. Will b sadly missed by everyone. Thoughts go out to Christine R I P Charlie dog.

Raymond McTear
Rip CD thinking of you Christine at this time

Ian Tinnion
Sad News, top man …RIP CD ⚫️?

Judith Irving
Sad news lots of love to Christine ❤️❤️

Sarah Crick
So sorry to read this news, he will be very much missed by all at Spyatri rugby club x

Nigel Brown
True Black Red legend ⚫️?. RIP Charlie dog. Pleasure to have known you

Avril Quinn
You’ve missed Joey Abba in the background. Sad news about CD. Thoughts are with Christine.

George Metcalf
Sad news another yan gone RIP Charlie dog condolences to Christine and family. ⚫️?

Doug Henderson
This is such sad sad news! I had hoped to see him once again at the players reunion in early Jan. Sadly not.
RIP Charlie.
I will always remember your challenge to run the pitch against one of the club 'flying machines'!:Bowsey perhaps. Needless to say you did both start from the same start line!!!!!

Graham Metcalf
Very sad news, RIP CD, thinking of you Christine

Terence Lockhart
So sad to hear about CD had some good times with him, spiatri scored some good tries off that move.

Mike Cowan
Sad loss.