SKIPPER Andy Geggan said that the Pars were lucky to have a “great person” in Margaret Ross as tributes poured in following news of her passing.

The midfielder told the Press: “She was a great person and a great woman to have at the club. We were lucky to have her.”

Athletic manager Allan Johnston said that Margaret would be “hard to replace” and said: “Ever since I came here she couldn’t have been more helpful. She’s brilliant with the young lads coming through and always trying to help. Even before I came, listening to Pottsy (John Potter), Kenny (Murray) and Mo (Hutton), they told me how much she did when the club went into administration and helped the players and staff who were trying to get by.

“Even with some of new ones (players) coming in, she was always making sure they were settled, helping and talking to their families and making them feel welcome. She’s been amazing and will be a massive loss. You could tell how much the club meant to her as well.”

Other current players took to social media to share their sadness at the news.

Winger Joe Cardle said: “Such sad news about Margaret Ross. She couldn’t do enough for my family and I. A massive loss for everyone at DAFC. RIP Margaret.” Sean Murdoch wrote: “Devastated with the news about Margaret Ross. A truly fantastic woman who loved the Pars. RIP Margaret.”

Drew Main of the Pars Supporters Trust said: “Margaret was one of the driving forces behind the inception of the PST in 2004 and I think that her legacy will be that the PST are one of the best supported trusts in the country. She was pivotal in raising money to help buy the club and it was fitting that she was given a seat on the board after Pars United’s acquisition. She was always willing to help and there was never anything that was too much trouble.”

News of Margaret’s death shocked and saddened former Pars boss Jim Jefferies, who was in charge as the club entered administration but was then rescued by Pars United three years ago.

He told the Press: “Margaret started coming to the training ground and was a big help to a lot of the players, especially the younger ones, to make sure they weren’t out of pocket. It tells you a lot about the club when the supporters rallied round and there was a lot of hard work behind the scenes when times looked bleak. Margaret was a big part of that and I got to know her very well. She was a good person and will be sadly missed.”

Former players also paid tribute, with Carlisle United’s Danny Grainger commenting: “Terrible news; was a pleasure to meet her and was a genuinely nice woman. Thoughts go out to her family”, while Josh Falkingham wrote: “Devastated to hear the news about Margaret Ross. Truly wonderful woman and someone that helped me and my family a lot. Huge loss for DAFC”.

Partick Thistle goalkeeper Ryan Scully said: “Thoughts are with Margaret’s family at this time, can’t believe it. Such shocking news about a true Dunfermline legend and most importantly such a good person”, while Ryan Goodfellow added: “Horrendous news. Massive part of the club through administration. Thoughts go out to Margaret’s family and everyone at DAFC.”

A number of clubs, including Falkirk, Heart of Midlothian, Queen of the South, St Johnstone and Ayr United all posted their sympathy on Twitter, while East Fife held a minute’s silence before their match with Peterhead at the weekend.

Local rivals Cowdenbeath also paid tribute, with director David Allan commenting: “She was a great football enthusiast and a great representative of Dunfermline Athletic. She will be much missed by us all.”

Margaret’s partner Tom said: “I was extremely blessed and fortunate to have Margaret in my life.”

Margaret's funeral will take place on Friday December 30 with a memorial service at the Vine Church, Garvock Hill, at 1:45pm. That will be followed by a private service at Dunfermline Crematorium.

A book of condolence has been opened at East End Park outside the club shop and there will be a minute's applause in memory of Margaret before the Boxing Day game with Falkirk.