Scottish football pays tribute as ex-Hearts and Dundee Utd coach dies just days after new appointment

Kirk, 75, spent a large part of his career working alongside Craig Levein, with the pair also spending time together at Leicester and Raith Rovers.

Kirk, who also had a stint as Cowdenbeath manager between 2000 and 2002, passed away while attending a match in England on Monday.

A statement from Dunfermline read: “A well-known and hugely-respected figure in Scottish football, Gary had only last week joined the club as our full-time head scout for the UK and Ireland and sadly passed away last night while taking in a match south of the border.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Kirk, the son of legendary Hearts full-back Bobby Kirk, enjoyed two spells as part of the coaching staff at Tynecastle Park and also worked in the scouting department.

Hearts paid tribute on their club website with a statement which read: “Everyone at Heart of Midlothian Football Club is devastated to learn of the passing of Gary Kirk.

"Gary was a popular and much-loved figure at Hearts, whose service to the club spanned 17 years across two spells. He was part of Craig Levein’s coaching staff in the early to mid-noughties, returning to the club in 2014 as a professional football scout.

“Gary undertook many roles at Hearts, which he did with pride and total commitment, and he would go on to become head of academy player recruitment, player loans co-ordinator and CAS lead scout. Always willing to go the extra mile for the club, Gary was heavily involved in the B Team and he also supported the kit department, before recently taking on a new role at Dunfermline Athletic in their scouting set-up.

“Well-known in Scottish football, Gary worked with Cowdenbeath, Raith Rovers and Dundee United, where he helped them to Scottish Cup success in 2010. The son of Hearts legend Bobby Kirk, one of Gary’s proudest moments was accepting his dad’s Hall of Fame induction in 2022.

“A friend to so many at the club thanks to his infectious personality and wonderful sense of humour, Gary will be sorely missed by his former colleagues at Hearts. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Gary’s wife Lynn, his family and friends at this desperately sad time.”

Dundee United also paid their respects with a statement which read: "Everyone at Dundee United Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gary Kirk.

"A warm, infectious character, Gary was a popular and highly respected coach at Tannadice during the stewardship of Craig Levein and Peter Houston between 2006 and 2013.

"An important member of the backroom team, Gary played his part in guiding the club to Scottish Cup glory in 2010, and his energy and enthusiasm were at the heart of the celebrations that followed that unforgettable triumph.

"Well known and admired across Scottish football, Gary also brought his experience and passion to roles with Cowdenbeath, Raith Rovers, and Heart of Midlothian.

"The sympathies of everyone at Dundee United are with Gary’s wife, Lynn, and his family and friends at this very difficult time."