Eric Tait, Berwick Rangers
Eric was born in Cornhill-on-Tweed on 17 June 1951. He made his debut for Berwick Rangers as an 18 year old trialist in a league game against Alloa Athletic on 24 January 1970, scoring a 64th minute goal in a 3-1 defeat. Two days later he was signed by Manager Harry Melrose, allegedly the transfer fee was £50 and a bag of footballs. A slightly built but talented youth, during his nineteen seasons as a Berwick Rangers player, Eric developed into a fine athlete and amassed a total of 439 league appearances to become the club’s all-time record holder, possibly a record that will never be bettered. A fast, stylish player with a great left foot and a good header of the ball, his usual berth was at inside left although he played in every other position too including goal during an East of Scotland City Cup match. He also holds the club record for the highest number of games played (526), league goals scored (104) and total goals scored (114). His goals were instrumental in the club gaining promotion in 1978/79 when they clinched the Second Division Championship, the club’s first silverware since joining the senior ranks. On retiring from playing Eric managed the club for 181 games and went on to coach both Ashington Town, Gateshead and Tow Law Town and manage Newcastle Blue Star. These days he reports on professional matches for the Press Association.
News broke in the ‘Berwickshire News’ of 22nd November 2012 that Berwick Rangers had honoured Eric by naming their new hospitality lounge after him. Eric and his family attended the Annan Athletic match and he was delighted with the honour. Eric was also in the local news earlier in the year when he met another Berwick Rangers legend from the 60s, Ken Bowron, for the very first time.
