Frank Dougan

[Hibby70]

Sorry to see he passed away last night.

[JamesHFC]

Glad he was able to enjoy that win on Saturday. RIP Frank.

[Jonnyboy]

Just heard that. A Hibs man through and through and man with many, many friends, he will be sorely missed

RIP Frank

[hibsfan7]

Rip peace frank

[jacomo]

This is sad news. Hope he enjoyed Saturdays match.

[Wembley67]

Was he not part of fan group or something at one point?

[darwenhibby]

Another Hibs die hard has passed to the Angels high above
RIP Frank

[Jay]

Incredibly sad news RIP Frank.

[Fanforlife]

R.I.P. Frank! Hibs man through and through!

[DaveF]

Never spoke to him but an ever present and unmissable figure throughout my years of going to ER.

Sad news.

[BroxburnHibee]

Just saw Maurice's post on Twitter. Incredibly sad news.

RIP Big Frank!!!

[Eaststand]

Very sorry to hear that about the big fella.
Condolences to all friends and family.

RIP Frank

GGTTH

[flash]

One of a kind was big Frank.

A larger than life character who was always the loudest voice in any room he entered

Also a magnificent storyteller who could keep you entertained for hours.

RIP Frank.

[Vault Boy]

Rest well, Frank. Glad you got to see a derby victory on Saturday.

[Blaster]

Very sad news
RIP Frank

[Just Alf]

RIP big man, you'll be missed.

[HibeeSince85]

Never met the man but as with most Hibees I knew the name. He certainly loved the Hibs.

RIP Frank

[Bridge hibs]

RIP Frank

[gbhibby]

RIP Frank

[s.a.m]

That's sad news. RIP Frank, and condolences to his friends and loved ones - there must be a lot of people on here who knew him. I can remember reading a line in a Hibs book* (can't remember which) from Andy Goram about the takeover, who said that he knew Duff and Gray's Hibs credentials were suspect when he mentioned Frank to one of them, and they hadn't heard of him. 'Everybody knows big Frank'.





*I read this a long time ago. Happy to be corrected :aok:

[CentreLine]

There are some people you expect to be around forever. Sorry to hear this RIP Frank

[Hibbyradge]

Frank found me the last available seat in the Famous Five upper the first year it was built. I watched some memorable games from that seat, including the magnificent 6-2 game with 4 goals coming at our end, so I'll always be grateful to him for that.

RIP Frank.

[surreyhibbie]

RIP Big Fella..

One of the best.

[JimBHibees]

RIP Frank. An iconic Hibs fan. Can remember seeing him on the open top bus in 2016 and thinking how absolutely fitting that was. :flag:

[Hibeewilly]

Such sad news, condolences to his family and friends. RIP Frank

[Baader]

RIP Frank.

About twenty years ago I was in The Blarney Stone pub in New York. Gone now but near the Empire State Building. It had quite a bit of Hibs memorabilia and hailed itself as the NYC supporters branch.

Several New Yorkers, all regulars, got chatting to me and they all spoke about big Frank Dougan and how they were mates with him! Was surreal. Seemed everyone knew him.

[Billy Whizz]

Absolutely gutted to hear this news. Known Frank for years and used to spend time with him at the Reserve games
My dad had gone to see Hibs since the late 50’s, and Frank brought the Scottish cup to my dads house when he was terminally ill, he was in tears
He also came to his funeral too!

Frank was as a remarkable man and a fantastic Hibs fan. Went everywhere for years. I’ve spoken to him regularly when he was housebound during Covid!

He’ll be missed by all

[hibeerealist]

RIP big man, one of the best.

Saw a lot of Frank in my youth travelling everywhere with the Hibees.

Will always be fondly remembered

[hibees 7062]

RIP Frank . Will be sorely missed 💚

[Trinity Hibee]

Didn’t know him personally but I think most/every Hibs fan knew who Frank was. Sad to hear this news.

[scoopyboy]

RIP Frank.

Ambassador at the club for a while whilst he was the elected member of the board.

Took the role very seriously and attended a huge number of funerals representing Hibs.

Outspoken at times but he was Hibs through and through.

My father in law went to many Scotland away games with him years ago.

[The Harp]

Such sad news. A true legendary figure among the Hibs support. Glad he was around to see us finally lift the Cup 7 years ago, and beat the hearts last Sat.

RIP Frank

[Spike Mandela]

Sad to hear of the loss of this ‘well kent’ face and voice around ER.
RIP

[Donegal Hibby]

Very sad news . I had the pleasure of meeting big frank on a couple of occasions.
Lovely man and a good Hibby.
RIP Frank .

[Winston Ingram]

I once had the pleasure of chatting to him at a function once.

He was like a Hibs encyclopedia.

RIP Big Man

[Pete70]

Sad news. RIP Frank.

[Scouse Hibee]

RIP Frank, he sat in front of me when I got my first ST in 92, it was an experience just listening to him 😀

[PatHead]

Was really sad to hear the news this morning. I had gotten to know Frank over the last 10 years or so.

A big man with an even bigger personality. Just like Jimmy, everyone knew his name. ;-)

He lived Hibs every day of his life and loved to see a youngster coming through the academy into the first team.

During his time as director he spent every moment he had doing bits and pieces large and small, putting his energy into every aspect of the role. As someone earlier mentioned he attended numerous funerals representing the club. He took his responsibilities very seriously and stood up for supporters on many occasions.

You never had a two minute discussion about Hibs with him, it always lasted at least half an hour and it could have gone on for much longer.

His other great loves were his brother Maurice, his nephews and his many friends. Commiserations to you all.

As a devout Catholic he will no doubt be cheering us on from above.

RIP Frank, I will miss you.

[Fratelli]

Condolences to the family 🙏🏼.

I remember over 30 years ago going in to see Frank when he worked at BT to try and sell to him and of course as soon as I realised it was ‘him’ all we did was talk about Hibs.

A couple of years later I was on a ‘company jolly’ to New York and bumped into him and Ronnie Ferguson in the Blarney Stone pub! Both of them were sitting at the end of the bar, holding court, along with the bartender, Artie, if my memory serves me right.

RIP Frank and thanks for the memories…💚

[greenginger]

Frank was the supporters rep on the Hibs board in 2016 and was on top of the open topped bus for Sunday cup parade.

I saw his big heid with a smile as wide as Leith Walk as the bus went past us.

It will be difficult for heaven to beat that day for Frank. :thumbsup:

[Hiber-nation]

Shocked by this. I hardly knew Frank but he always went out of his way to chat to me at away games. He was having a right rant the last couple of times I saw him but hopefully he was a happy man on Saturday.

I recall one freezing morning queuing for tickets outside ER and Frank was there chatting to everyone for ages, keeping spirits up. An old guy in front of me was clearly struggling with the cold weather and Frank quickly got him to the front of the queue, which was typical of the man.

RIP big fellae.

[leith lynx]

So Sorry to hear this. Everytime I was at Easter Road, 1st team games, reserves, Hibs rally's and even Proclaimers gigs Frank always seem to be around and always had a great chat on all things Hi-bees. I was just thinking the other week I had not seen him around lately.He will be missed, another good Hibs man gone but not forgotten. Condolences to his family and friends,rest in peace Frank, GGTTH.

[Scotty Leither]

Frank sometimes travelled on the Carlton Bus, where the banter can be “fierce” at times, & Frank joined in and more than held his own and regaled us with stories about following Hibs & Scotland down the years.

A guy that bled green and white and how fitting our last win while he was still here was against them.

Rest easy big man, you’ll be missed.

[worcesterhibby]

RIP Frank

[Forza Fred]

Was friends with Frank for 50 years and stood next to him at the 7-0 game and the legendary Christmas Day game against Rangers in the early 70’s when he got (wrongly) arrested for breach of the peace and spent the remainder of that Christmas Day in the High Street cells!

Just one of the stories that will be told in the next few days..and he really was a larger than life character.

Frank even moved out of his flat in 1994 and into Ronnie Ferguson’s hotel so that my family had somewhere to stay during a holiday from Oz.

I thought he was on the mend….he even purchased his season ticket for next season…but sadly he won’t get to use it.

RIP Frank and thanks for the memories.

[Pretty Boy]

Sad news.

I can remember queuing for tickets for the 2-2 game at Tynecastle. Myself and hundreds of others had been there since the very, very early hours. people were cold, tired and concerned about not getting tickets. Frank was there at about 5am, arranged for the stand concourse to be opened for people to stand in, he was handing out vouchers so people up to a certain point in the queue knew they were getting tickets. Not long after he arranged for tea and coffee to be sent down for those that wanted it. It was well appreciated by a group of people who were cold, tired and hungry. He was fans rep at the time but it's the kind of thing you knew he would do anyway because it was Hibs and Hibs fans.

RIP Frank.

[JamesHFC]

Absolutely gutted to hear this news. Known Frank for years and used to spend time with him at the Reserve games
My dad had gone to see Hibs since the late 50’s, and Franck brought the Scottish cup to my dads house in he was terminally ill, he was in tears
He also came to his funeral too!

Frank was as a remarkable man and a fantastic Hibs fan. Went everywhere for years. I’ve spoken to him regularly when he was housebound during Covid!

He’ll be missed by all

Brilliant story. Proper Hibs.

[hibsbollah]

Really enjoyed his company at the fans forum a while back. A man who cared passionately about Hibs.

[Bishop Hibee]

Very sad news. I knew him by sight when I went home and away in the eighties and got to know him well through St Mary’s Star of the Sea when I moved to Leith. Hibs daft and a nice guy. RIP.

[BILLYHIBS]

RIP Frank

Oggie ! Oggie! Oggie !


Hibees ! Hibees! Hibees!

His memory goes marching on

[O'Rourke3]

Never met the man - but did correspond on occasion over e-mail. Read many times over of his devotion to, and work for, our club. RIP Frank and condolences to his family.

[Potty78]

Sad news, RIP Frank😥

[Hibiza]

RIP Frank.

[SON OF PADDY]

Big Frank was a great guy,he loved his club and the Hibernian family.
He will be sorely missed by all that knew him, rest easy big man!
GGTTH

[Golden Bear]

So sorry to hear this sad news.

RIP Mr Hibs.

[Mikey_1875]

Very sad news. RIP Frank.

[Bostonhibby]

I only met him a couple of times down the years but I think it's fair to say he was a giant amongst us Hibbies, if you cut him in half he'd have Hibernian running through the middle.

RIP Frank, a hard act to follow.


Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[Juice-Terry]

A Hibs man through and through, and a very nice man too. RIP Frank. GGTTH!

[Carheenlea]

For as long as I’ve been going to Hibs games, Frank has been an ever present. Whatever away game you were driving to it was a given you’d see his Mercedes with his personalised plate heading in same direction and you never saw him on his own before games - he was always deep in conversation with someone, and the topic would most certainly have been Hibs related.

It’s very sad to hear of his passing. RIP Frank

[HIBS NUTS]

Great hibs man,and always up for chat.
RIP Frank

[Lancs Harp]

RIP Frank Hibs to his core

[He's here!]

Mr Hibs for sure. That's sad news.

Glad he went out on a derby high. RIP.

[Seveno]

I chatted to him about three times and always came away with the impression of just a genuinely nice guy.

[007]

Rest in peace Frank.

[7heaven]

Remember Frank from the Stanton branch many years ago.
Brilliant man.
RIP Big man.

[big-mo]

Such sad news. A true legendary figure among the Hibs support. Glad he was around to see us finally lift the Cup 7 years ago, and beat the hearts last Sat.

RIP Frank
He was on the board back in 2016 so he had invited me to join him at Hampden in the board room, once the cup had come up from the dressing room, Sir Tom said to Frank ‘ you should hold this first Frank as you are here representing the fans and they deserve this most are you are are who I think of first when I think of Hibs fans’.

[cabbageandribs1875]

just reading elsewhere, very sad indeed, condolences to all who knew him :(

RIP Frank

[Peanut Shaz]

Remember Frank from the days he lived in Colinton Mains. Always wearing his scarf or Hibs tie. Never knew him personally but certainly knew who he was and his passion and commitment to the club and fans. RIP

[adam middlemass]

Sorry to hear the sad news. Frank was a lovely guy and a great character. Will be sorely missed by all at Easter Road. Glad the boys did the business on Saturday. RIP big man.

[Billy Whizz]

He was on the board back in 2016 so he had invited me to join him at Hampden in the board room, once the cup had come up from the dressing room, Sir Tom said to Frank ‘ you should hold this first Frank as you are here representing the fans and they deserve this most are you are are who I think of first when I think of Hibs fans’.

Thanks for sharing Maurice

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

He's obviously had better moments but, I always remember him being sparked out on the seats behind the goal in Daugavpils, always brought a smile to my face. ☺️

[Donegal Hibby]

https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/article/rip-frank-dougan
RIP Big Frank.

[KWJ]

Synonymous with Hibs in my lifetime.

RIP Frank.

GGTTH

[Tambo]

RIP Frank! Condolences to his family.

A hibee through and through.

[Whelahan 1875]

One of the biggest characters ever in the Hibees fanbase. RIP Frank.

[marinello59]

Sad news, a familiar figure to many.
RIP Frank.

[maturehibby]

I will be eternally grateful to Frank for bringing the Scottish Cup along to a retired hibs club Christmas Dinner and leaving it on the table and letting us oldies handle it and get photos with it

Thanks again.big man

[Ray_]

Desperately sad news, I met Frank for the first time, in the seventies, he was a colleague and friend, of an old school chum of mine, at BT Telecom & as an anglo, by then, Frank arranged for me to have a visitor's membership, for the supporters club.

Met Frank randomly, at matches, and in the club, throughout the years and he was such a big personality, as well as being such an outstanding ambassador for our football club and for being such a truly wonderful human being.

Condolences to all who knew him, in particular, the relatives he leaves behind.

RIP Frank, will be sorely missed.

[HH81]

Desperately sad news, I met Frank for the first time, in the seventies, he was a colleague and friend, of an old school chum of mine, at BT Telecom & as an anglo, by then, Frank arranged for me to have a visitor's membership, for the supporters club.

Met Frank randomly, at matches, and in the club, throughout the years and he was such a big personality, as well as being such an outstanding ambassador for our football club and for being such a truly wonderful human being.

Condolences to all who knew him, in particular, the relatives he leaves behind.

RIP Frank, will be sorely missed.

Nice post.

RIP Frank.

[john rossi]

Sorry to see he passed away last night.
New the big man for many years really cared about the club and contributed in so many ways to our football club RIP gone but not forgotten.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

My dad new Frank from days gone by at BT, suitably upset. RIP.

[147lothian]

I've known Frank since he was treasurer of the Hibs Supporters Association. Always at the door, and I chatted with him on the way into the Hibs Club, he was such a big character, that his presence filled any room, he entered, I can still hear his booming voice, he absolutely lived and breathed Hibs, such a huge loss.

[Alfred E Newman]

I first became aware of Frank when we all used to stand under the covered terracing as teenagers in the 1960s so I suppose he has been always there during my lifetime following the Hibs.
I can't say I knew him personally but like most of us we all felt we knew him.
Always happy to chat,he lived and breathed Hibs and we will all miss his presence.
RIP Frank.

[belhavenbill]

The world is short of one great Hibbie. RIP

[matty_f]

Sad news, rest in peace, Frank.

[CyberSauzee]

https://goingtothematch.home.blog/2023/04/18/faith-hope-and-charity/

A lovely tribute here...

"if Hibernian still possesses a soul, and I believe it does, then people with the values, commitment, and kindness of Frank Dougan, are responsible for keeping that unique flame burning."

[Alfred E Newman]

https://goingtothematch.home.blog/2023/04/18/faith-hope-and-charity/

A lovely tribute here...

"if Hibernian still possesses a soul, and I believe it does, then people with the values, commitment, and kindness of Frank Dougan, are responsible for keeping that unique flame burning."

Wonderful.

[Silversand]

RIP Frank.

I remember in Athens Airport, having travelled on the Global Travel charter, when we'd just found out about all the matches being cancelled due to 9/11, Frank managed to bring some semblance of order to the group (100 or so) & we agreed to remain in Athens for the 2 days.

Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk

[The Harp]

https://goingtothematch.home.blog/2023/04/18/faith-hope-and-charity/

A lovely tribute here...

"if Hibernian still possesses a soul, and I believe it does, then people with the values, commitment, and kindness of Frank Dougan, are responsible for keeping that unique flame burning."

Oh, what a tribute that is - thank you for posting it.
If I was in doubt as to how much Big Frank would be missed by so many, I certainly wouldn't be after reading it.
Absolutely magnificent.
God Bless you Frank and thanks for all you've done for Hibs over the years.

RIP

[vercol36]

Hope he’s giving it the OGGIE OGGIE OGGIE in that big Easter Road in the sky

[Billy Whizz]

https://goingtothematch.home.blog/2023/04/18/faith-hope-and-charity/

A lovely tribute here...

"if Hibernian still possesses a soul, and I believe it does, then people with the values, commitment, and kindness of Frank Dougan, are responsible for keeping that unique flame burning."

Fantastic Sean

[One Day]

Another great Hibby gone. Frank has always been there and was one of those people that you thought would be there forever. R.I.P. Big Frank

[JimBHibees]

https://goingtothematch.home.blog/2023/04/18/faith-hope-and-charity/

A lovely tribute here...

"if Hibernian still possesses a soul, and I believe it does, then people with the values, commitment, and kindness of Frank Dougan, are responsible for keeping that unique flame burning."

What a fantastic tribute that is.

[leith lynx]

https://goingtothematch.home.blog/2023/04/18/faith-hope-and-charity/

A lovely tribute here...

"if Hibernian still possesses a soul, and I believe it does, then people with the values, commitment, and kindness of Frank Dougan, are responsible for keeping that unique flame burning."

A magnificent tribute to Frank.Great use of the lyrics of 'Streets Of Edinburgh ' the Proclaimers song, just as poignant as Sunshine On Leith. Well done Sean Mcpartlin.

[hibsbollah]

What a fantastic tribute that is.

:agree: Yes, a well written and moving piece.

[147lothian]

RIP Frank.

I remember in Athens Airport, having travelled on the Global Travel charter, when we'd just found out about all the matches being cancelled due to 9/11, Frank managed to bring some semblance of order to the group (100 or so) & we agreed to remain in Athens for the 2 days.

Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk

I remember that too, if memory serves me right Frank was wearing a safari explorers hat and a Hawaiian shirt while restoring the order, typical Frank, larger than life.

[Kato]

Liked Frank a lot. Not a close friend or someone I went to games with but when you met him you were assured of a good blether about the club and to come away with a smile on your face. Top, top Hibernian Fan.

RIP

Sent from my SM-A528B using Tapatalk

[BT58]

Knew Frank from the Hibs club in the 80's and 90's. Mr Hibs, what a character he was, very friendly and approachable.
Can just imagine Frank and Maude MacFarlane having a good blether up in heaven
R.I.P. FRANK.
Condolences to family and friends.
B

[Hibernian Verse]

Pretty sure I took a couple of telling off's from Frank (and Maud!) at the Hibs club whilst playing scarf football on the dancefloor and knocking over people's drinks :greengrin

RIP Frank.

[Phil MaGlass]

https://goingtothematch.home.blog/2023/04/18/faith-hope-and-charity/

Class. RIP Frank

[MagicSwirlingShip]

https://goingtothematch.home.blog/2023/04/18/faith-hope-and-charity/

A lovely tribute here...

"if Hibernian still possesses a soul, and I believe it does, then people with the values, commitment, and kindness of Frank Dougan, are responsible for keeping that unique flame burning."

A great tribute

[Oscar T Grouch]

Really sad to hear about Frank's passing, he was always up for a chat on the bus to away games. Just read Sue McLernon's tribute to him on Twitter, shows the type of person he was. RIP Frank.

[NAE NOOKIE]

Like many folk I didn't know big Frank personally, but you couldn't be a Hibs fan and not know who he was, a larger than life character for sure.

Seems to me he was exactly what I think a fan should be, the club's results and performances were part of the package of following it, the thought that a downturn in it's fortunes could make that support waiver clearly never entered his head. To check out on a weekend where Hibs beat Hearts seems entirely fitting for a guy like that.

RIP Frank and condolences to your family and friends. GGTTH

[H18S NX]

RIP Frank.

About twenty years ago I was in The Blarney Stone pub in New York. Gone now but near the Empire State Building. It had quite a bit of Hibs memorabilia and hailed itself as the NYC supporters branch.

Several New Yorkers, all regulars, got chatting to me and they all spoke about big Frank Dougan and how they were mates with him! Was surreal. Seemed everyone knew him....Yes I remember it well,a bunch of us from the Hibs club went for ten days,big George Stewart big Frank etc,so very sad news.Rest easy big man.GGTTH.

[heretoday]

Everyone knows his name.

[Highwayman]

RIP Frank.A big man in every sense of the word.
When I travelled away with Hibs and Scotland Frank was always there or thereabouts.
One of my abiding memories of him was seeing him in a big square in the centre of Malaga during the World Cup Finals in Spain.Frank was dancing to Do You Think I’m Sexy.The locals had never seen anything like.The circus had come to town and Frank was the ringmaster.
Farewell Mr Hibs,we definitely will never see your likes again.GGTTH.

[hibsbollah]

What a great thread this is with some wonderful stories. Quite heartwarming.

[FranckSuzy]

I'll be forever grateful to Frank for bringing the Scottish Cup round to the Hibs Club when my brother and his family came over from Australia.

We were given strict "no lifting it!" instructions and of course, he left it with us in the main hall whilst he sat in the members lounge. We were like kids mucking around in the classroom when the teacher went out and there have been some rumours that there's photos of my nephew with the cup on his head but I can neither confirm nor deny this 🤭

Thanks Frank 💚

[Roxyhibee]

I didn’t know him personally but spoke to him in passing over the years. As people have already said - a huge asset to all Hibs supporters and clearly a great man.

In Dnipro, there was a line of fairly intimidating armed Police, all facing us, down the front of our Hibs section. When Dnipro scored their 3rd, one of them did a low down fist pump thing right in front of us. We obviously weren’t happy. He did it again on the fourth, so Frank went along to his older commanding officer and told him, even bringing him along to go right up to the guy and point him out. He didn’t do it for the 5th.!

[brog]

Desperately sad news, I met Frank for the first time, in the seventies, he was a colleague and friend, of an old school chum of mine, at BT Telecom & as an anglo, by then, Frank arranged for me to have a visitor's membership, for the supporters club.

Met Frank randomly, at matches, and in the club, throughout the years and he was such a big personality, as well as being such an outstanding ambassador for our football club and for being such a truly wonderful human being.

Condolences to all who knew him, in particular, the relatives he leaves behind.

RIP Frank, will be sorely missed.


He was on the board back in 2016 so he had invited me to join him at Hampden in the board room, once the cup had come up from the dressing room, Sir Tom said to Frank ‘ you should hold this first Frank as you are here representing the fans and they deserve this most are you are are who I think of first when I think of Hibs fans’.


Maurice, once again my sincere condolences. As you know my family have been friends with the Dougans, particularly through Martin and Pat, for generations. My favourite Dougan family story goes back to WW2 when a telegram arrived. Of course in those days that was an ominous sign. Fearfully the telegram was opened, it read, 'please confirm Hibs 8 1 Rangers! I think it was your Uncle or Great Uncle, possibly Jimmy.
Hard to imagine Hibs without Frank.

[PeeKay]

My boy and me have really fond memories of Frank at Easter Road. We used to have our season ticket seats just behind Frank in the West Lower. Having him there brought entertainment value to the most humdrum of games. There was one Saturday he was going crazy at the manager's tactics - think it might have been Mixu. He completely lost it and was f'n and blinding when someone turned around and said "Oh c'mon Frank. There's kids sitting around here." Frank went completely quiet and sat huffy for five minutes, then completely out of the blue he shouted, in his best Morningside accent, "Play up! Play up Hibernian!" Priceless.
RIP Frank.

[Forza Fred]

Got so many stories about Frank…

The funniest one goes back to Christmas Day 1971 when Hibs played Rangers.
Normally there would be about 8 of us Carlton Branch members in the Coo shed at a game, but this day there was just Frank and me, and we decided to stand just outside the shed, half way up the terracing.
As was the norm, coppers were placed at various points in the ground, with police inspectors parading the cinder track behind the goals looking for miscreants.
Now Frank was not the quietest guy I’ve met, and he was just ‘being Frank’…when I noticed the police inspector was pointing our way.
I told Frank I thought he was ushering the constables his way, but Frank thought I was joking and didn’t pay much attention.
30 seconds later 2 of Edinburgh’s finest arrived, told Frank he was under arrest for breach of the peace and huckled Frank away to his cries of ‘But what did I do’?
Now, there was an argument discussed in the Hibsclub after the game that Frank was guilty of breach of the peace by just standing there, but he honestly did nothing to warrant arrest.
The Laughter in the HibsClub that ‘Big Frank’ had been lifted on Christmas Day and would go without his Christmas dinner was the cause of much good natured banter as Frank sat in the High Street polis station!
Fast forward a few weeks to the Sheriff Court…Frank, instead of copping the standard 30 quid fine had pleaded not guilty and was facing trial.
We had recruited a total of 14 defence witnesses who, along with me, were going to swear that Frank did no wrong…..and some of the witnesses had indeed even been at the game!
I remember proceedings were delayed, we all went to the pub, and got into trouble on our return for being noisy and disruptive while waiting in the courthouse.
Frank was eventually called and returned only a few minutes later without the need for any of his witnesses to perjure themselves as the defence lawyer pointed out that there were not1, not 2 but 14 witnesses willing to testify they got the wrong man.
The police immediately withdrew the case and the arresting officer admitted he did not see what Frank had done, but was merely following his inspector,’s orders who he thought, had pointed Frank out.
Needles to say, the innocent man and his witnesses celebrated heavily in nearby Deacon Brodies!

[The Harp Awakes]

I never knew Frank very well, but we knew each others faces from being around everything Hibs.

Anytime we passed each other we would talk about Hibs. He was such a warm selfless person who will be sadly missed.

RIP Frank. You were a gentleman with green blood in your veins.

[AllyT]

RIP Frank.

About twenty years ago I was in The Blarney Stone pub in New York. Gone now but near the Empire State Building. It had quite a bit of Hibs memorabilia and hailed itself as the NYC supporters branch.

Several New Yorkers, all regulars, got chatting to me and they all spoke about big Frank Dougan and how they were mates with him! Was surreal. Seemed everyone knew him.

I went to NY in 1994, visited Blarney Stone. Got told i just missed Big Frank, all accounts a fantastic mam, liked by all, sorry to hear about his passing.

I gave the Blarney Stone my Hibs top and I think they put it in a frame, they gave me a Blarney Stone Polo on return.

[southern hibby]

Went with Frank to a Hibs v The Rangers development game at East Mains and he wound up about 30 Huns by carrying a Sports Direct carrier bag. Trust me they were fuming. They were going through all that stuff with strips and Mike Ashley at the time.

Also he waited for me landing in Portugal for the William ll game. My flight was 2 1/2 hours late but he was waiting for me with the car and that showed how he would do anything for anyone and his beloved Hibs

RIP Frank

[Hibrandenburg]

Sad to hear about Big Frank. First got to know Frank in the 80's when he was the young gun sat at the Hibs Club Committee Members table with the old gang including Eric Meechan, Bill Alcorn, my old man and a few others that are long since passed on. RIP big man.

[JimBHibees]

Went with Frank to a Hibs v The Rangers development game at East Mains and he wound up about 30 Huns by carrying a Sports Direct carrier bag. Trust me they were fuming. They were going through all that stuff with strips and Mike Ashley at the time.

Also he waited for me landing in Portugal for the William ll game. My flight was 2 1/2 hours late but he was waiting for me with the car and that showed how he would do anything for anyone and his beloved Hibs

RIP Frank

Brilliant stories. Sports direct one is a classic. :greengrin RIP Frank

[oneone73]

Got so many stories about Frank…

The funniest one goes back to Christmas Day 1971 when Hibs played Rangers.
Normally there would be about 8 of us Carlton Branch members in the Coo shed at a game, but this day there was just Frank and me, and we decided to stand just outside the shed, half way up the terracing.
As was the norm, coppers were placed at various points in the ground, with police inspectors parading the cinder track behind the goals looking for miscreants.
Now Frank was not the quietest guy I’ve met, and he was just ‘being Frank’…when I noticed the police inspector was pointing our way.
I told Frank I thought he was ushering the constables his way, but Frank thought I was joking and didn’t pay much attention.
30 seconds later 2 of Edinburgh’s finest arrived, told Frank he was under arrest for breach of the peace and huckled Frank away to his cries of ‘But what did I do’?
Now, there was an argument discussed in the Hibsclub after the game that Frank was guilty of breach of the peace by just standing there, but he honestly did nothing to warrant arrest.
The Laughter in the HibsClub that ‘Big Frank’ had been lifted on Christmas Day and would go without his Christmas dinner was the cause of much good natured banter as Frank sat in the High Street polis station!
Fast forward a few weeks to the Sheriff Court…Frank, instead of copping the standard 30 quid fine had pleaded not guilty and was facing trial.
We had recruited a total of 14 defence witnesses who, along with me, were going to swear that Frank did no wrong…..and some of the witnesses had indeed even been at the game!
I remember proceedings were delayed, we all went to the pub, and got into trouble on our return for being noisy and disruptive while waiting in the courthouse.
Frank was eventually called and returned only a few minutes later without the need for any of his witnesses to perjure themselves as the defence lawyer pointed out that there were not1, not 2 but 14 witnesses willing to testify they got the wrong man.
The police immediately withdrew the case and the arresting officer admitted he did not see what Frank had done, but was merely following his inspector,’s orders who he thought, had pointed Frank out.
Needles to say, the innocent man and his witnesses celebrated heavily in nearby Deacon Brodies!

Great story, thanks for posting

[Mick O'Rourke]

Got so many stories about Frank…

The funniest one goes back to Christmas Day 1971 when Hibs played Rangers.
Normally there would be about 8 of us Carlton Branch members in the Coo shed at a game, but this day there was just Frank and me, and we decided to stand just outside the shed, half way up the terracing.
As was the norm, coppers were placed at various points in the ground, with police inspectors parading the cinder track behind the goals looking for miscreants.
Now Frank was not the quietest guy I’ve met, and he was just ‘being Frank’…when I noticed the police inspector was pointing our way.
I told Frank I thought he was ushering the constables his way, but Frank thought I was joking and didn’t pay much attention.
30 seconds later 2 of Edinburgh’s finest arrived, told Frank he was under arrest for breach of the peace and huckled Frank away to his cries of ‘But what did I do’?
Now, there was an argument discussed in the Hibsclub after the game that Frank was guilty of breach of the peace by just standing there, but he honestly did nothing to warrant arrest.
The Laughter in the HibsClub that ‘Big Frank’ had been lifted on Christmas Day and would go without his Christmas dinner was the cause of much good natured banter as Frank sat in the High Street polis station!
Fast forward a few weeks to the Sheriff Court…Frank, instead of copping the standard 30 quid fine had pleaded not guilty and was facing trial.
We had recruited a total of 14 defence witnesses who, along with me, were going to swear that Frank did no wrong…..and some of the witnesses had indeed even been at the game!
I remember proceedings were delayed, we all went to the pub, and got into trouble on our return for being noisy and disruptive while waiting in the courthouse.
Frank was eventually called and returned only a few minutes later without the need for any of his witnesses to perjure themselves as the defence lawyer pointed out that there were not1, not 2 but 14 witnesses willing to testify they got the wrong man.
The police immediately withdrew the case and the arresting officer admitted he did not see what Frank had done, but was merely following his inspector,’s orders who he thought, had pointed Frank out.
Needles to say, the innocent man and his witnesses celebrated heavily in nearby Deacon Brodies!

Worked out well then, Fred

There is the saying "Breach of the peace charge covers a multitude of sins/things"
Many fans would have forever carried an unjust criminal record because of some of these corrupt bstrds policing games.


As an near 21 yr old at the time, i recall Frank getting marched oot!
I would have been in the Cave with the troops expecting Christmas greetings from the hun.
The senior polis back then had Frank marked as an instigator in the Cave.
Which was wrong,he wasnt a fighter .He just encouraged and sometimes led the singing.
Many times they sent snatch squads in to pull who they thought were leading the action.
Speciality was targetting guys with flags ,It was the poles flags were tied to (broom handles,mostly)
Frank certainly was on their radar as a main player in the Cave in that era.
Going out the cave and standing away from his usual group likely prompted the polis to snatch him.
Merry Christmas Frank ! .Petty and pure badness on their part.
Thats a theory of mine on why he got huckled.

Sociopaths some of that that Gayfield polis mob were.
They might have enjoyed the double time wages that day.
But they hated us Hibby's with a vengeance .
Cops had been hurt at previous games that year.
One once called me a fenian,socialist bstrd,and ripped my scarf
I had an Irish and socialist pin on my scarf.
And a black and blue night in Gayfield for ma cheek"

Frank was known at grounds throughout the country. Both for his size and of course his booming vioce.
He stuck out like a sore thumb,did the big man.
Me and my mates ,guys like Big Davie Carnegie (who sadly succumbed to Covid)went to his defence more than once during the Tynecastle Hibs supporters bus away days.
One time,how it happened i dont remember, but Frank went in the wrong turnstile at Ibrox ,was identified and Glasgows finest frog marched him round the track.... Like walking the gaunlet.
The animals spat spat and spat at Frank all the way round till he was put over the wall into the Hibs support section.
......forever animals.

When we lost our son 30 yrs ago, i remember Frank consoling me with kind words back in the Hibs Club after the Requim Mass Service and burial at Mount Vernon.
I still remember his words to this day.
I did not speak to or see Frank much in recent years ,but i have good memories of those childhood days/games and adventures following Hibs round the country and keeping out of trouble, !..... or trying too !

Rest in Peace .Big Dougan.

[big-mo]

Got so many stories about Frank…

The funniest one goes back to Christmas Day 1971 when Hibs played Rangers.
Normally there would be about 8 of us Carlton Branch members in the Coo shed at a game, but this day there was just Frank and me, and we decided to stand just outside the shed, half way up the terracing.
As was the norm, coppers were placed at various points in the ground, with police inspectors parading the cinder track behind the goals looking for miscreants.
Now Frank was not the quietest guy I’ve met, and he was just ‘being Frank’…when I noticed the police inspector was pointing our way.
I told Frank I thought he was ushering the constables his way, but Frank thought I was joking and didn’t pay much attention.
30 seconds later 2 of Edinburgh’s finest arrived, told Frank he was under arrest for breach of the peace and huckled Frank away to his cries of ‘But what did I do’?
Now, there was an argument discussed in the Hibsclub after the game that Frank was guilty of breach of the peace by just standing there, but he honestly did nothing to warrant arrest.
The Laughter in the HibsClub that ‘Big Frank’ had been lifted on Christmas Day and would go without his Christmas dinner was the cause of much good natured banter as Frank sat in the High Street polis station!
Fast forward a few weeks to the Sheriff Court…Frank, instead of copping the standard 30 quid fine had pleaded not guilty and was facing trial.
We had recruited a total of 14 defence witnesses who, along with me, were going to swear that Frank did no wrong…..and some of the witnesses had indeed even been at the game!
I remember proceedings were delayed, we all went to the pub, and got into trouble on our return for being noisy and disruptive while waiting in the courthouse.
Frank was eventually called and returned only a few minutes later without the need for any of his witnesses to perjure themselves as the defence lawyer pointed out that there were not1, not 2 but 14 witnesses willing to testify they got the wrong man.
The police immediately withdrew the case and the arresting officer admitted he did not see what Frank had done, but was merely following his inspector,’s orders who he thought, had pointed Frank out.
Needles to say, the innocent man and his witnesses celebrated heavily in nearby Deacon Brodies!


Frank always claimed he got off with it because it was ‘Mistaken Identity’, right enough there were quite a few bearded, 35 stone, 6’ 5” fans in that area of the ground on that day, he wasn’t even wearing his Santa suit.

[big-mo]

In case anyone was looking for details of Frank’s funeral. It will be on Tuesday 16th May at 11:30 in the St Mary’s Star of the Sea in Leith, to which all friends are most welcome. If attending please feel free to wear your team’s colours, scarves, ties, coats, dresses, whatever.
if you can’t make the service, the hearse will be driving past the stadium beforehand. Full details of the funeral will be in the Evening News later in the week. If you are abroad and would like to join in, the service will be live streamed, ( not PPV)

[Billy Whizz]

In case anyone was looking for details of Frank’s funeral. It will be on Tuesday 16th May at 11:30 in the St Mary’s Star of the Sea in Leith, to which all friends are most welcome. If attending please feel free to wear your team’s colours, scarves, ties, coats, dresses, whatever.
if you can’t make the service, the hearse will be driving past the stadium beforehand. Full details of the funeral will be in the Evening News later in the week. If you are abroad and would like to join in, the service will be live streamed, ( not PPV)

Maurice thanks

[Scotty Leither]

In case anyone was looking for details of Frank’s funeral. It will be on Tuesday 16th May at 11:30 in the St Mary’s Star of the Sea in Leith, to which all friends are most welcome. If attending please feel free to wear your team’s colours, scarves, ties, coats, dresses, whatever.
if you can’t make the service, the hearse will be driving past the stadium beforehand. Full details of the funeral will be in the Evening News later in the week. If you are abroad and would like to join in, the service will be live streamed, ( not PPV)

Cheers, Maurice.

[Billy Whizz]

Well done Hibs, almost brought a tear to my eye, when his picture with Lewis and the cup, went on the big screens on the 73rd minute

[JimBHibees]

Well done Hibs, almost brought a tear to my eye, when his picture with Lewis and the cup, went on the big screens on the 73rd minute

Yep very emotional tribute

[Carheenlea]

Well done Hibs, almost brought a tear to my eye, when his picture with Lewis and the cup, went on the big screens on the 73rd minute

Yes, a very moving tribute to Frank.

For most tributes, there is a personal element where a lot of fans wouldn’t really know the recipients, but join in to show empathy for a fellow Hibs supporter. With Frank however, the majority of the crowd would have known very well who he was, and it was evident in the tribute paid.

[marinello59]

Well done Hibs, almost brought a tear to my eye, when his picture with Lewis and the cup, went on the big screens on the 73rd minute

It really was emotional. Hibs are very good at getting these things right.

[Pretty Boy]

Well done Hibs, almost brought a tear to my eye, when his picture with Lewis and the cup, went on the big screens on the 73rd minute

Was it announced anywhere?

I saw the image come up but it seemed to take a wee bit of time to get going, like people were caught by surprise a bit. When it did get going it's probably the best observed non player/manager tribute I can remember at ER.

[Hiber-nation]

It really was emotional. Hibs are very good at getting these things right.

They are, it was just perfect.

[Billy Whizz]

Was it announced anywhere?

I saw the image come up but it seemed to take a wee bit of time to get going, like people were caught by surprise a bit. When it did get going it's probably the best observed non player/manager tribute I can remember at ER.

It wasn’t announced anywhere that I was aware of. Just appeared on the screen on the 73rd minute

[PatHead]

A fantastic turnout to say farewell to Big Frank today. He will be missed by many.

[Billy Whizz]

A fantastic turnout to say farewell to Big Frank today. He will be missed by many.

The church was full. Great to see so many fans young and old at the service
I doubt we’ll see a character as big as Frank!

[The Harp]

A fantastic turnout to say farewell to Big Frank today. He will be missed by many.

As you say, a fantastic turnout at the Star of the Sea. Shows the level of esteem Big Frank was held in by the Hibernian family. Thought Grant Stott's eulogy was spot on with a good deal of humour thrown ìn, and the West Coast priest paid Frank a fine tribute too.
I couldn't make it back to the stadium after Mass - hope it went well.

[Forza Fred]

Watched the service live on stream.

Thought Grant Stott’s eulogy was good.

Still difficult to accept Frank’s gone.

[MurrayfieldHibs]

Where was the funeral announced? I didn’t see anything on here, Hibs twitter or the web site.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Baader]

Where was the funeral announced? I didn’t see anything on here, Hibs twitter or the web site.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

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