Alex Totten: We had exceptional moments and David Hagen was part of them all

The funeral cortege will pass by the front door of The Falkirk Stadium at around 11.40am, and the route being taken from Thomas Cuthell funeral directors in Denny and through the player’s hometown of Bonnybridge, will also take in Hope Street, near to where he plied his trade for the Bairns at Brockville.

Many are expected to turn out along the route to pay tribute to the former Bairns player, who also played for Rangers and Hearts before signing on at Brockville.

His then manager Totten often visited ‘Hagey’ and led the tributes following his death after suffering motor neurone disease for more than two years.

Totten said: “David had everything as a player, but more importantly he was a brilliant person. Right back to the days in the dressing room at Brockville, David was a hugely popular character, liked by everyone he came across.

“On the park he was a tremendous player for the club, we had some exceptional moments and David was part of them all. You don’t have the career he did, playing for Rangers, Hearts and Falkirk, if you’re not a talented footballer.

“His contribution to our run to the 1997 Scottish Cup Final will forever be remembered by the Falkirk fans, as will his goal in the Challenge Cup at Fir Park.

“I kept in touch with David and continued to visit him right through his battle with motor neuron disease, he was so brave in his fight and he is an inspiration to us all. A lot of the team from back in 1997 have been in touch and that shows the standing in which they held David.

“At times like this it’s easy to say that someone was a good lad, but David truly was. He will be sadly missed by us all, but I am glad he is at peace now.”

The funeral procession will leave Broad Street in Denny at 10.50am.

Donations in memory of the Bairn, who played 170 times for the club, can be made to MND Scotland charity. Falkirk FC donated the club’s share from the weekend’s 50-50 to the charity – contributing £3267.