Fans of Scottish soccer were left in mourning this week after former Raith Rovers Football Club player Gordon Wallace passed away at the age of 74. 

According to a statement released on Monday, Wallace's daughter Karen kept the team informed about her father's declining health, saying, "Raith Rovers meant the world to him."

Wallace is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren

The statement noted how in addition to Karen, Wallace is survived by his wife Diane along with his sons Dean and Bradley.

What's more, the veteran former player is also survived by his grandchildren Danny, Jordan, Ryan, Brittany, Millie, Scarlett, Corbin, and Matilda, all of whom live in Australia.

Fife Today reported that Wallace was born in Edinburgh and raised in the city's Clermiston neighborhood where he took an interest in soccer.

Wallace initially began playing for the Penicuik Athletic Juniors, whom he helped reach the Scottish Cup final in 1970 before losing to Blantyre Victoria.

Wallace career spanned more than a decade

During his time with Penicuik Athletic, Wallace played alongside Murray McDermott and Malcolm Robertson, two men who would later join him in playing for the Raith Rovers.

Fife Today noted how Wallace scored his first goal with the team four days after playing his first game and went on to score 11 more throughout the course of his first season.

The paper quoted legendary Rangers F.C. player Jimmy Millar as saying, "Gordon is a hard-working inside-forward, with great stamina. He never gives up and uses the ball well."

Wallace developed a reputation as a prolific goal scorer and caught the attention of Dundee United F.C. manager Jim McLean in 1977.

However, Wallace's time with the team was plagued by repeated injuries and he only made 15 appearances before being traded to Berwick Rangers F.C. and finally ended his Scottish career with Cowdenbeath F.C. He later moved to Australia in 1982 where he played for Green Gully S.C.

Team "deeply saddened" by loss of Wallace

Tributes to Wallace quickly appeared on social media, including from his old team, which put up a post on the platform previously known as Twitter.

Raith Rovers Football Club are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player, Gordon Wallace (Mark II).

Gordon signed in 1970, made 318 appearances and scored 104 goals.

In his seven years with us, Gordon became a fan favourite and he will be greatly missed by all. pic.twitter.com/E7hfj80Yg0

— Raith Rovers Football Club (@RaithRovers) November 13, 2023

The Raith Rovers Football Club announced that it was "deeply saddened" over Wallace's death, adding, "In his seven years with us, Gordon became a fan favorite and he will be greatly missed by all."