Former Scotland manager Ally MacLeod has died at the age of 72.
MacLeod, who led Scotland to the 1978 World Cup finals been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for a number of years.
A left winger with Hibernian and Blackburn as a player, his first manageriall apppointment was at Ayr United.
“It’s devastating news for every Ayr supporter because Ally meant so much to us,” said club director John Dalton.
MacLeod will be best remembered for his boast that Scotland would “bring back a medal” from Argentina.
However, defeat to Peru and a draw with Iran meant Scotland retuyrned earlt, despite salvaging some pride with a spirited 3-2 win over eventual finalists Holland.
“He will be sadly missed by everyone that knew him not just in Ayr,” former Scottish international Dalglish told the BBC.
“Ally was a real larger than life character. He was somebody who brought a great deal of humour into whatever company he was in.”
The Scottish Football Association also paid tribute to MacLeod.
“Obviously everybody in Scottish football is saddened to hear of his death,” said a SFA spokesman.
“Although he is perhaps best known as the Scotland manager in ’77 and ’78, Ally was a guy who devoted his entire life to football as a player with several clubs and then as manager.
“He was at Hampden as recently as last July to accept an award from the Tartan Army who presented him with a crystal decanter set in appreciation of his services to the national team and to Scottish football in general.
“That shows the high regard in which he was held by the people of Scotland.”
