Former Airdrie club photographer John Steven was a mainstay at New Broomfield games during a seven-year spell at the Diamonds

Airdrieonians pay tribute to former club photographer as ex-Diamonds remember 'kind and warm' man

The Diamonds are in mourning after the loss of a popular figure around New Broomfield in recent years

by · Daily Record

Airdrieonians have paid tribute to their former club photographer John Steven after he passed away.

John, who hailed from East Kilbride, covered the Diamonds near and far during his seven-year stint as a club photographer, retiring from the role at the end of last season on the high of Airdrie winning promotion to the Championship.

He died on Friday following a short illness and the club as well as some of its former players have offered their condolences on social media.

A statement from Airdrie read: "We were deeply saddened to receive the news that former club photographer John Steven passed away. John retired from the post last summer after seven years of capturing all the action for a club he loved, and he will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with John's family and friends at this time."

Former Airdrie stars Callum Smith and Dylan Easton - both of whom now play for Raith Rovers - also left their tributes. Calum posted: "Gutted to see this news. John was great with me at my time with Airdrie. Really nice guy and loved Airdrie, he will be sadly missed."

And Dylan commented: "Devastating news, such a kind man who always made time for me. Thinking of John's family at this time."

Airdrie media officer, Stuart Mathie, also posted on X: "Really gutted by this. John and I covered an incredible amount of miles in cars and buses doing the Airdrie media stuff for the seven years he was on the touchline, and you couldn't meet a lovelier, warmer, nicer man. So sad."

During his spell with Airdrie, John's photographs regularly featured in the local newspaper, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser, as well as online via Lanarkshire Live Sport. His funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

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