Former Town midfielder Ian Redford was found dead in woodland near Irvine in his native Scotland earlier today, aged 53.

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said in a statement: "At around 11.15am on Friday police received a report of a man's body being found within a wooded area near to Long Drive in Irvine.

"Officers are investigating and inquiries are continuing. A post mortem will be carried out in due course to establish the cause of death."

Redford joined the Blues from Dundee United in November 1988 for a fee of £200,000 and made 71 starts and nine sub appearances, scoring 12 goals, before moving on to St Johnstone in 1991.

Born in Perth, Redford started his senior career with Dundee, moving on to Rangers in 1980 for what was then a record Scottish fee of £210,000. Later in his career he played for Brechin City, who he also managed, and Raith Rovers.

During his time at Ibrox he won the Scottish Cup once and the Scottish League Cup three times, while he picked up runners-up medals in both the UEFA Cup and the Scottish Cup with Dundee United within the same week in 1987. He also won the Scottish League Cup while with Raith Rovers.

Having played for the Scotland U21s, he was called up to the senior squad on a number of occasions but was never capped.

Photo: Action Images

Marcus added 20:54 - Jan 10 RIP Ian. I didn't see many of your games in the Duncan era but fondly remembered as part of John Lyall's promotion winning squad.
4

gainsboroughblue added 20:57 - Jan 10 Genuinely upsetting news. Under rated player, great left foot. Probably signed him a few years past his peak. Lovely fella too, remember speaking to him several times. He was one of those Town players of the times who did lots of school, hospital etc visits. RIP Ian. Thanks for the memories.
6

jonwatson75 added 21:01 - Jan 10 Sad news. Rest in peace. In the early days as a town fan I enjoyed watching home play. Thoughts with his family.
5

jonwatson75 added 21:02 - Jan 10 Watching him play even
1

blueboy1981 added 21:28 - Jan 10 Sad news indeed - played his part for our Club thus is one of us. R.I.P Ian Redford. Condolences to his Family.
4

TennesseeBlue added 21:35 - Jan 10 Very sad news. My thoughts are with his family
4

chorltonskylineblue added 21:35 - Jan 10 Sad news. I still remember being excited when he signed because he was part of a great Dundee United team
4

alljezer added 21:42 - Jan 10 Really sad to see a professional footballers fall by the wayside when their career has finished, I'm sure his Family are really missing him
3

yorkshire added 21:44 - Jan 10 Really sad to see this - I started going to games in 1988 and remember Redford being a good little player. RIP Ian
3

bluefeast added 22:04 - Jan 10 how tragic , life is a struggle to be enjoyed day by day
2

thebeat added 22:08 - Jan 10 R.I.P. Ian one of my childhood heroes, scored a great goal at Wolves once when i was there. Very underated. Thoughts with his family at this sad time.
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runaround added 22:10 - Jan 10 R.I.P Ian
5

cossy81 added 22:49 - Jan 10 Sad news that puts it all into perspective..remember him well,solid player
2

evansblue added 01:23 - Jan 11 I used to go to all the home and away games back then and was excited when we signed him. Very sad news. RIP
2

DiamondGezzer added 06:16 - Jan 11 Shocked and saddened by this. RIP Ian, my thoughts go out to your family.
1

dud5ers added 08:23 - Jan 11 He added some quality to our midfield when it badly needed it. My friend's first comment after seeing him was "He's a real footballer".
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BuckieBlue added 11:45 - Jan 11 Well thought of up here (and obviously from his time at Town). Sad end... feel for his family.
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