David Eccles - A Tribute to a Doune Castle Legend

Everyone in our extended Doune Castle family has been stunned by the sudden passing of David Eccles on Friday 17 July, following a tragic cycling accident.

‘Big Davie’ will always be remembered as one of this club’s greatest ever players. Much more than his standing as a player, however, David Eccles was, quite simply, one of the finest people anyone could ever wish to meet. In every sense, David Eccles was a great man, and a loyal friend. He contributed so much to the history of Doune Castle.

Davie Eccles joined Doune in the early 1970’s and was to be our man between the sticks through one of the club’s golden eras as they dominated the Stirling & District AFA. During that time, the side won 7 consecutive First Division titles and numerous local cups. ‘Big Davie’ was key to our success with his outstanding agility, obvious bravery and total dominance of his penalty area all combining to give the rest of his team mates the freedom to play an attractive attacking style.

Davie’s booming voice was instantly recognisable as it resonated across the open spaces of Moray Park as he claimed any ball that threatened his goal and directing all those in front of him. He cut a dominant figure between the posts. At times, he seemed unbeatable! Davie’s outstanding performances soon earned national recognition and he played for the Scottish Amateur FA side.

Davie played for Doune for a decade before finishing his career as Player/Coach at Stirling University throughout the late 1980s. Even when playing elsewhere, however, Davie never lost his affection for the Castle. He regularly assisted at training, helping successive managers. After several enjoyable seasons at the Gannochy, in 1990 he left his role with the University to re-join the Castle’s coaching team.

As a teacher to trade, Davie clearly had the skills and personality to become a top coach. His passion for developing goalkeepers saw him study the art and science of goalkeeping long before courses became accessible to folks in the amateur ranks. As with everything he did in life, Davie immersed himself fully in learning the favoured techniques of the day, researching and observing the best available. Uniquely, Davie even gained permission to attend and observe the full Scotland team training prior to key international matches! Davie was one of the first in Scotland to achieve the UEFA Goalkeeping A Licence.

As has been well recorded over recent days, Davie’s outstanding coaching skills soon attracted wider attention. He became Goalkeeping Coach with Stirling Albion Youths, ultimately also working with the Albion’s first team. Davie assumed a similar role for Scottish Schoolboys, working with young keepers across several age groups as they represented Scotland.

Around that time, Davie started his now-famous Monday night training sessions for budding keepers at our Moray Park home. In all weathers, Davie nurtured his pack of young keepers to improve their skills under his expert tutelage - his commanding presence, gentle humour and supportive honesty impacting positively on so many players.

Despite so many football commitments elsewhere, Davie’s love for the Castle never waned! He was a regular spectator at our games, especially at Moray Park. And, he was always present to enjoy any success the club achieved - and equally enthusiastic to join team celebrations, sipping from trophies won and sinking the pints of Guinness he enjoyed so much!

Away from football, Davie led an incredibly busy life, leaving others astounded he had the energy and time to pack so much into his daily routine.

His career as Teacher and Principal Teacher of Chemistry at Stirling High School saw Davie make a huge impact on countless generations of learners. He was a much-respected and popular figure around the school, pupils often responding with equal amounts of enthusiasm and trepidation to his huge presence, strong voice and dry wit!

As well as assuming a key role in Schools Football with both the Forth Valley and Scottish Schools organisations, Davie committed much time to running Stirling High’s table tennis club. Even on retirement from his teaching position, Davie demonstrated continued commitment to the school, assuming the important role of Chief Examination Invigilator, quietly nursing many nervous youngsters through the high pressure environment of SQA Examinations.

Clearly a man with too much time on his hands, Davie’s love of the outdoors and sport was apparent in other ways! He was a passionate and proud gardener. He was an excellent golfer and a regular at Stirling Golf Club. He particularly enjoyed playing rounds with his daughter, Joanne.

Along with his closest pals, also former Castle players, Michael Docherty and Iain Blackwood, Big Davie loved the Scottish landscape. These three great amigos bagged every Munro in Scotland, often spending weeks away together, mountain-biking to remote areas before literally scaling great heights. Their love of climbing also saw them holiday abroad to tackle well-known peaks in France and elsewhere. And, in any spare time they had, Davie led the way as they sometimes explored the Scottish coastline with a spot of sea-kayaking!

Davie Eccles enriched the lives of so many people, in so many ways and over so many generations.

However, there was never any doubt to any of us who were privileged to know him well where Davie’s first and deepest love lay - with his family. Genuinely a private man at heart, Davie was totally devoted as husband to Margaret, father to Joanne, grandfather, son and brother. Davie was never happier than when at home and spending time with those for whom his tragic passing is now hardest to bear.

The thoughts of the Doune Castle family are with them all.

Rest in peace, Davie - a great friend, a true gentleman and, undoubtedly, a Doune Castle legend.