Former Dundee United goalkeeper Hamish McAlpine suffers heart attack

Hamish McAlpine: The goalkeeper in action for Dundee United in 1980.SNS Group

Former footballer Hamish McAlpine is recovering in hospital after suffering a heart attack.

The 64-year-old former goalkeeper took ill on Sunday while trimming a hedge in his garden.

He was admitted to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where he is currently being cared for, but his condition is said to be improving and it is believed he will be discharged in the next few days.

Mr McAlpine, best known for his 19-year career with Dundee United, fell ill at his home in Newtyle, Angus, on Sunday morning.

Speaking from his hospital bed, he said he had been inundated with get well messages from supporters of the Tannadice club.

He said: "I was out cutting the hedge on Sunday morning and I felt a pain. I thought it was just indigestion but it went on for ten minutes and I knew it was something worse. I'm normally going daft, but I was just having an easy morning, taking the dogs out. I headed up to Ninewells right away and they said I'd had a heart attack."

Doctors inserted a tube into Mr McAlpine's heart to clear a blockage in his chest. He will undergo a scan to assess if there are any further health issues.

He added: "The pain is gone and I'm getting well looked after. I'm not in a bit of pain and I just need to take tablets now. It was just a wee blockage, but they got it quick enough so it didn't do any lasting damage. I'm on the mend and I'll hopefully be back on my feet in the next day or so."

Mr McAlpine made almost 700 appearances for Dundee United between 1966 and 1985 and was part of the league winning side in the 1982/83 season.

A former Scotland under 21 international, he also won the league cup with the side, both in 1979 and 1980.

He has also played for Montrose, Arbroath, Raith Rovers and Dunfermline Athletic.

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