Celtic legend Fergus McCann's director's chair to be auctioned for Beatson charity

The chair will go under the hammer again after spending the last 20 years in Greenock at the home of die-hard Celtic fan Gerry Quigley, who purchased it at a charity auction in 1999.

Gerry said: “I was friendly with Fergus and always felt that he was ahead of his time as he developed the club and laid the foundations for Celtic’s future success."

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The Scottish-Canadian businessman, 81, achieved legend status after bringing the club back from the brink of financial ruin in 1994 and helped put a stop to Rangers’ quest for ten consecutive league titles.   

Gerry Quigley

Now, experts estimate that the unique lot could fetch between £1,000 and £2,000 at McTear's Scottish Greats auction. 

Speaking of when the chair first came into his possession, Gerry said: “I remember Chick Young was hosting the charity auction, and right at the end shouted, ‘look what Celtic are throwing out!’. 

"I knew this was an opportunity not to be missed so threw my hat in the ring.

"Fortunately, I managed to secure the chair and give the Beatson a funding boost. 

"Over the years it has been a real talking point when folk are visiting and we have used the chair to raise additional funds for charity too."

After his son received cancer treatment in Australia, Gerry and his wife Maureen decided to let the chair go to raise funds for Beatson Cancer Charity. 

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Gerry wants to let another fan enjoy the piece of memorabilia, while also giving back to a cause close to his heart.

He added: “My daughter-in-law is an oncologist at the Beatson, and we have seen the marvellous work they do day in day out, so when we decided to sell the chair we knew where we wanted the funds to go."

Commenting on the auction, McTear’s sporting specialist James Bruce called the chair "one of the most intriguing" items to go under the hammer.

Joyce Ross of the Beatson Cancer Charity and Gerry Quigley

He added: "Following a shaky start, Fergus McCann’s time at the club is now hailed as one of the most important periods in the club’s history, and the start of a golden spell for Celtic.   

“Week in and week out ‘the bunnet’, as he became known, would sit in this very chair to watch his beloved team, and we are delighted that we are now in a position to help find a new home for this hugely important piece of Celtic heritage.

“The vendor, Gerry Quigley, has been a tireless charity champion for many years and this latest impressive gesture for the Beatson is another example of his huge generosity.

"McTear’s will be waving all vendor fees, with the full hammer price and buyer’s premium going directly to Beatson Cancer Charity.” 

Joyce Ross, Brian Clements of McTear's and Gerry Quigley

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A Beatson Cancer Charity spokesperson said: “We are thankful that the Quigley family have once again considered us to benefit from their fundraising efforts. 

 “We hope the sporting auction is a great success and are very grateful to everyone who gets involved to support our charity – it allows us to help so many cancer patients and their families across the west of Scotland.” 

The former chairman's seat, in deep green button-back vinyl, hinged seat and plaques to the underside inscribed 'FERGUS McCANN' and '13', is being auctioned on July 22.

Gerry added: "I have kept Fergus’s seat warm for 20 years and I feel the time is right to let another passionate Celtic fan have a seat for a wee while.”