Eddie was a football enthusiast and supported his son from Beith Juniors to St Mirren and eventually to Chelsea.

Known for his strictness but unwavering presence, Eddie instilled mental strength in his son, a trait that Chelsea could benefit from in their current defence.

The speaker, Clarke, reflects on his father's support throughout his football career, including his current role as manager of Scotland.

However, due to his father's dementia, he was unable to fully understand or appreciate Clarke's achievements at the end of his life.

Clarke discusses his career in the latest edition of This Sporting Life, from his beginnings in Scotland to moving to London with his family in his twenties.

Despite recent disappointments, Clarke is doing well in his managerial role.

The text describes how the football player Clarkie had his career ended by his friend and former manager at Chelsea, Gianluca Vialli.

During a golf trip in Bermuda, Vialli told Clarkie that he should become a coach.

Clarkie found this suggestion coming from Vialli to be the most acceptable and ended his playing career, starting a new path as a coach.