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Updated Friday 23 July.

Fundraising Match

Duddingston are proud to be able to take part in a fundraising event for John and Nicola Tams by playing in a charity game with the Hearts Legends and John's Saturday team Real Maroon on September 5th at New Dundas Park, Bonnyrigg. Kick off 3pm.
Duddingston manager Mikey Dixon said " As a club we are delighted to do anything we can to help John, Nicola and their families in this time of need and are honoured to join forces with Real Maroon to play in a fundraising match with the Hearts Legends"

More details on the game can be found here..

Duddy Star In Horror Road Accident

Last week Duddingston Athletic was shocked and saddened to learn of the appalling tragedy involving our player John Tams. As is now reported in the media, John and his wife Nicola were seriously injured in an accident involving a car during their honeymoon in Italy. In the past 24 hours, we have had better news and we have been told John is making slow but positive progress.

The thoughts and prayers of each and every one of our players is with our friend and teammate at this time. We will strive to do anything we can to aid and support him and his wife as they attempt to overcome this horrible ordeal.

While our squad has returned to training for the new season ahead, John's absence was even more notable. John has shown great strength and courage to make progress over the past few days in Italy. It is with this same strength and courage that will motivate and drive his fellow squad members on over the coming weeks.

A club spokesman said: "Our thoughts are with John, Nicola, and their families at this time. Our friend, and teammate, shows strength and leadership on the pitch and we are certain he will use these same qualities to make a full recovery."

Since learning of the news all the players have been keen to pass on messages of support to John and Nicola and talk about what they mean to us, a few are below;

Grant Ferguson

John Tams is more than just a football player to this club, he’s family to us that know him best. I’m lucky to have known him for most of my adult life and, reflecting on these past few days, I’m deeply proud to call him one of my closest friends. There are really no words to describe what happened to John and Nicola on their honeymoon – all I can say is that everyone at Duddingston is thinking of them and wishing them well.  It’s times like these when we look for support in others and I know all the boys will be there for both John and Nicola, whenever they need us.  We stand together on the field, we stand together off it

Ross McGill

John is a great team mate and an even better friend. The level of support for him has been fantastic and so befitting for such a great guy. I look forward to the day he is back in the red of Duddingston Athletic.

Eddie McInally

John is definitely one of the best footballers ive ever played with, extremely skilful but also honest and humble at the same time. I know him for being the person I look to to keep me going on Sunday’s or at training when things aren’t always going well because he never gives up. John to me is a real honest to god mild mannered gentleman. I feel very lucky to call him my friend. That’s why John Tams isn’t just one of the best footballers ive played with, but one of the finest men ive ever had the pleasure of knowing. Im looking forward to him nut-megging me as always when he returns to full fitness.

Mikey Dixon

I was absolutely shocked and saddened when I first heard the news of the accident involving John and Nicola, my thoughts and prayers go out to both of  them at this distressing time. I know it can  sound like a cliché at times like this but John genuinely is the nicest guy you could ever hope to meet, a perfect gentlemen, always laughing and joking and a much loved member of the Duddy family. I am proud to call him one of my friends. On the pitch he is an example to all, a fantastically skilful player who has been a gem in Duddy’s side for a number of years now, his fighting qualities and desire to succeed on the pitch are mirrored in his current battle against his injuries. I can speak on behalf of the whole of Duddingston Athletic when I say that whatever support John and Nicola require we will be there for them, we are thinking of them and wishing them a speedy and full recovery.

Mark Naysmith

What JT has been through and the progress he has made sums up his character, determined and never give up attitude, fighting spirit and all round hero. Certainly the best footballer I have ever played with and have never met a more genuine person with a heart of gold. In my eyes John Tams is a legend, hero, fantastic guy. I could not be happier to hear he is making progress.

Chris Wilson

Hearing the news of John and Nicola's accident last week was one of the worst moments of my life. The sleepless nights and constant worry whilst awaiting updates on their well being was incredibly tough for myself and fellow teammates, i can only imagine how tough it was for them both and their families. Naturally when we heard of Nicola's recovery and her leaving hospital and that John was making positive and steady progress we were all over the moon with relief.We know he still has a long way to go and were all hoping and praying that they will be back with us soon. I know i speak for all the guys when i say that we cant wait to get our mate home and give him a big hug.

Many of our opponents in the association have also passed on their best wishes to John and Nicola and we thank them for their support.

Abbey Athletic AFC
Just heard about the terrible accident that happened to John Tams and his wife and would like to pass on our best wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery.

John In Action