We have an Anchor that keeps the soul,
Steadfast & Sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm & deep in the Saviour’s love.
In the early hours of Thursday 11th October 2018 we lost one of our own. A man known to us as ED (Short for Edmiston Drive), Steadfast, Sassij Fingers, Big Tam, Colin and many other pseudonyms. Born Thomas Nolan in Kinning Park Glasgow, an only child of a Northern Irish father, he was offered a professional football contract with Newcastle United as a boy. Upon insistence from his mother, he was persuaded and encouraged to follow more stable employment within the Clydesdale Bank. He excelled in this environment and quickly climbed the ladder within the organisation, allowing him to travel extensively around the globe. In a professional capacity, he advised many Rangers players on pensions, investments and finances, becoming personal friends with Iain Ferguson, Chris Woods and Gary Stevens to name but a few.
Tam was a raconteur and if you’ve been in his company you’ll understand that. Having only spoken to him 5 days before his passing, he asked if I would write something about him. What I didn’t expect was the outpouring of grief, sympathy, love and respect shown in many places, most of all by his friends and those who knew him. Threads on Rangers Media and Vanguard Bears sites were genuinely moving. A larger than life character with wit, charm, a glint in the eye, a story for all occasions and someone who lived for a bit of mischief. There weren’t many people left on Rangers Social Media that didn’t, at some point, fall for one of his wind ups. Once he got you on the end of his line, you were kept there until he decided to let you go. Shortly after, there was always a direct private message apologising for his tomfoolery. If you didn’t get that then he just never liked you.
Big Tam was a lover. A lover of The Rangers, Glasgow, music, stories, friends, women and good company. He loved Glasgow so much that after his cremation the ashes will be spread throughout many of his favourite Glasgow haunts. In our last conversation, we spoke about the city and I’ll share what he said to me;
“Sunday I stumbled on BBC2 showing the 10k run and memories flooding back. Said bloody hell, that’s St Andrews Drive at Pollokshields. Pals from school lived there and then past Maxwell Park – as a boy my Daddy took me tae sail an actual model of a yacht being built. Then it cut in Pollok Estate where I scored a few goals against Shawlands Academy then a long aerial view of Norwood on Haggs Rd where I banged in many for my school team. Lastly into Bellahouston Park where we played football, tennis and pitch and putt then over the park hill where I first had a kiss and fumble with a female from Govan High. Out onto the PRW, aerial camera shots of my Primary School with our Club’s magnificent facade. Commentator gave a glowing backdrop re our history linked with athletics then down PRW, old Bellahouston Academy the District and The Grapes. Greeting like a baby throughout as strong, strong, memories.”
ED was delighted he got the chance to say farewell to his friends. For those of us who knew him it was always the stories that he loved to share. Kirsty Young and the pool table, Carol Smillie, Alice behind the Flamingo, scoring 10 in one game, day he thanked a fans self-appointed spokesman for saving Rangers and why he never went to the 1967 European Finals were among some of my very favourites. If you’ve heard any of them you’ll guaranteed smile.
Finally thanks to all the fellow Bears who made his last few days that little bit better. You know who you are. Rest easy Big Tam. He’s no doubt serving a ban somewhere. If you can raise a glass.
Our Absent Friend
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