Bob Crampsey


Robert Anthony Crampsey was a Scottish association football historian, author and broadcaster, described as a "much loved Scottish cultural institution" by The Times. He had a Doctorate in Sports Journalism from Stirling University.

Life and career

Born in Glasgow, Crampsey was a widely respected pundit on BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound from 1987 until retiring in 2001. He was also a mainstay of STV's Scotsport. Crampsey was the author and editor of the Now You Know column of the Glasgow Evening Times, where he would answer sporting questions submitted by readers, until 2006.
A graduate of the University of Glasgow and former head teacher of St. Ambrose High School in Coatbridge, Crampsey was 1965's "Brain of Britain". He followed this up eight years later by reaching the semi-finals of Mastermind, choosing the American Civil War as his specialist subject. He was also an associate of the Royal College of Music and a keen fan of Somerset County Cricket Club. He served in the Royal Air Force from 1952 to 1955 and his younger brother Frank was a footballer for Queen's Park, the club both brothers supported.

Death

Crampsey died on 27 July 2008 after a long illness, aged 78. He was survived by his wife Ronnie and their four daughters: Alison, Fiona, Marion and Siobhan.

Tributes

Former Sportsound colleague Richard Gordon said of Crampsey:
First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond responded to the news of Crampsey's death:

Selected bibliography

His most famous football related works are:
As well as being an authority on Scottish football, Dr Crampsey wrote a number of books on non-football related subjects including: