CAPTAIN’S VIEW —

from Cove Rangers FC Matchday Programme – vs. Morton 05.05.23

PAUL HARTLEY

After a season of many highs and lows, we conclude our debut campaign in the Championship this evening with a chance of securing our place in the division next year.

We always knew it was going to be challenging, however, the changes and injuries we have faced have made it even more difficult. If we achieve our goal of staying in the league, it would be a massive achievement for the club.

After picking up all three points at Gayfield a couple of weeks ago, we travelled to Dens Park knowing just how important it would be to take something from the game, and although it wasn’t pretty, we did just that, grinding out a goalless draw to gain the point which would take us off the foot of the table.

We knew it was going to be a tough game with Dundee challenging for the title, but we had a gameplan to frustrate our opponents, and limit them to little chances by being compact, and I felt it was executed to perfection. It was a tremendous shift from every player in the team. They ran their socks off and showed great fight and passion for the full 90 minutes.

The defence in particular were superb. Everything that came their way was dealt with expertly. Dundee pushed hard, but we were able to nullify their threat and prevent them from causing any real chances.

In our last two matches, we have picked up 4 points and kept two clean sheets. The lads are all confident going into tonight’s game. We all believe we can get a result.

We know it won’t be easy, as Morton are fighting to secure a Premiership play-off spot, and in addition, our current injury crisis has meant we are down to the bare bones. But we will look to take the momentum which we have gained in recent weeks into the game, along with our hunger and desire, in order to finish the season on a high. As it is the final game of the season, I would also like to take the time to thank all the fans for their continued support throughout the campaign. It has been a difficult season for the club. Despite results not always going our way, you have always been there in your numbers, backing the boys until the full-time whistle goes. Every one of us is grateful for it.

All we ask is for you to do it one more time this evening, to give the boys that extra bit of energy and motivation to go on and get the result we need.

COYCR!

Mitch Megginson

When the dust settles on what has been a tumultuous season, it will also herald the end of a remarkable era in Cove Rangers’ history.

Many people have contributed over the past few decades to the club’s rise from the amateur ranks to the second tier of the SPFL, but few have given as much as our long-serving secretary, Duncan Little.

It was therefore with deep sadness that we learned of Duncan’s intention to finally retire from the post this summer.

Having started attending Cove matches when he was just a boy, it was inevitable that Duncan should become one of the first members of the social club when it opened in 1984. He became involved officially two years later, doing a myriad of jobs behind the scenes, and was appointed secretary in 1991.

He has been in post ever since, right at the heart of everything that has happened as the club was transformed, and has been a key figure in ensuring we were able to meet all the off-field demands of the various divisions we were elevated to.

Always ready with an answer to the many questions posed by players, managers or the board of directors, Duncan has been a calm, reassuring presence throughout his lengthy career, and he will be sadly missed by everyone at Balmoral Stadium.

“That’s more than three decades as secretary, which is an incredible achievement, and as we have moved up through the leagues, he has had to take on board all the rules and regulations that come with being in the SPFL.

“During all that time, Duncan has been the ‘go to guy’ for all of us, and he has put his heart and soul into making sure that everything has been done properly over the years.

“I have never heard anyone say a bad word about him, and that I can assure you is rare in football. He is an absolute gent, and as well as being a trusted and valued colleague, I feel privileged to call him my friend.

“It won’t be the same without him, but I feel sure we have not seen the last of Duncan at our club. He loves Cove Rangers as much as I do, and he will still have a part to play behind the scenes in the years to come, of that I have no doubt.”

Having been at the club for a quarter of a century himself, Chairman Keith Moorhouse has had ‘Mr Cove Rangers’ by his side throughout his time in charge, and he says Duncan’s input and wise counsel have been invaluable:

“It has been quite a journey for the club, and there’s no doubt Duncan’s contribution has been above and beyond what any of us could have expected from him.

Duncan was presented with an inscribed decanter and glasses at the recent Cove Rangers FC Annual Dinner at The Marcliffe, a small gesture of appreciation for all his hard work over the years, and he will remain to ensure a smooth handover to his eventual successor.

We were also delighted to learn that he does not intend going far, and will be around the club taking on a few tasks that are close to his heart, but which he was unable to attend to given the demanding full-time role he had.

Everyone at Cove Rangers would like to wish Duncan all the very best for the future.

Balmoral Stadium

Circle,

Aberdeen

Honorary President

Directors

Safety Officers

Committee

Football Manager

Assistant Manager

First Team Coach

Fitness Coach