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Jimmy Calderwood dies aged 69 as Aberdeen and Dunfermline lead tributes

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Former Aberdeen and Dunfermline manager Jimmy Calderwood has sadly died aged 69.

A popular figure in Scottish football, the Glaswegian didn’t actually feature here in his playing days – turning out instead for Birmingham City before heading to the Netherlands with Sparta Rotterdam, Willem II, Roda JC and Heracles Almelo.

He would then launch his managerial career over there before returning to take charge of the Pars and then landing the Dons job.

He would also take on the hotseats at Kilmarnock and Ross County before heading abroad again with Go Ahead Eagles and De Graafschap.

Calderwood has been suffering from dementia and went public with it to raise awareness.

He has sadly now lost his battle after his condition deteriorated in recent months.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Dunfermline Athletic
Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images

Dunfermline lead tributes to Calderwood

East End Park was where Calderwood had his most success, winning promotion to the Premiership in his first season in charge before managing their highest ever finish of fourth.

He also took them to the Scottish Cup final.

A statement on the Dunfermline website today reads: “Everyone at Dunfermline Athletic is hugely saddened to learn of the passing of former manager Jimmy Calderwood.

“Jimmy, along with assistant Jimmy Nicholl, was at the helm of the club during one of its most successful periods in the club’s modern history.

“Promotion in his first season into the SPFL was followed by the highest-ever SPL position, finishing fourth in the 2003/04 season, during which season he also guided the club to a first Scottish Cup final since 1968 and a return to European football.

“A full tribute to Jimmy will follow in due course.”

Chairman & CEO David Cook added: “On behalf of everyone at Dunfermline Athletic, we are all shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Jimmy Calderwood.

“Jimmy constructed a fantastic squad of players in the early 2000s that had Pars fans on the edge of their seats with his bold attacking style of football. He brought some magnificent moments to this club, none more so than helping us reach the Scottish Cup Final in 2004.

“The sea of black and white at Hampden was testament to the force he had created.

“Our deepest condolences go to Jimmy’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Aberdeen statement

A spokesperson for Aberdeen said: Everyone at Aberdeen FC is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former manager Jimmy Calderwood.

“The thoughts of all at the club are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”