Fraser Wishart (footballer, coach & chief executive)
Wishart Tree WIS0125
Born: 1 March 1965 – Johnstone, Renfrewshire
Fraser grew up in south Glasgow, attending Hillpark Secondary School where he played in the school team. He began his football career with Eastercraig Boys’ Club, a successful youth team in Glasgow, followed by spells at amateur clubs Giffnock North and Pollock Juniors.
Fraser signed with Scottish Premier Division team Motherwell in 1983 and under manager Tommy McLean he established himself as a regular full back, making over 150 appearances for the team over the next six years.
In 1989 he was transferred to St. Mirren for £285,000, an amount set by tribunal after the two clubs could not agree on a fee. Three years later he moved to Falkirk, before enjoying the most high-profile period of his career when Walter Smith signed him for Glasgow Rangers in 1993. However, he made only nine appearances for the club in the next two years before moving on to Hearts in 1995, followed by a second spell at former club Motherwell in 1996. He was transferred to Clydebank F.C. in 1997, where he spent four years both as a player and coach during the club’s turbulent final seasons. By this point Wishart was already working at the players’ union as assistant to Tony Higgins. From Clydebank, he then moved to the similarly troubled Airdrieonians F.C. in 2001, for what proved to be the club’s final season before they folded.
He became the Secretary of the Scottish Professional Footballers’ Association, and is now its current chief executive. He is also an occasional radio and television commentator.