Post-match reaction – Craig will be available

Please note that ALL content on The Dumbarton Terrace is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without the author’s prior permission.

HE’S done something that only Jimmy Brown, David Winnie and Alan Adamson have done before.

Succeeded where promotion-winning managers like Billy Lamont, Murdo MacLeod and Jim Chapman couldn’t.

One competitive game into life as Dumbarton manager, Stevie Aitken has managed Sons to victory in a Petrofac Cup tie.

And after seeing off Morton with Saturday’s 3-2 first round victory, the gaffer is in no mood to stop.

A trip to Hampden to face Queen’s Park in round two is Sons’ reward for the win at Greenock, which Stevie felt they fully deserved.

He said: “I was delighted with the result and performance. We played really well and although losing the two goals made it nervy, we were never under pressure.

“Our display was very pleasing and we were on top of the game for long spells.

“In any cup competition you want to get games at home, but if you’re not getting that, you look at venues where you want to play.

“Hampden is a ground which we don’t get to play on that often and I’m sure our players will be looking forward to it.

“I am sure it will be the case that the pressure is on us as we are the team from the higher division.

“But Queen’s Park have done very well under Gus MacPherson, bringing young players through.

“There are players playing international football who were there in the past, so we will have to be on our guard when the game takes place.”

The immediate priority now is Saturday’s League Cup tie away to East Fife, who Stevie’s Stranraer team knocked out of the same competition this time last year.

He continued: “I’m looking forward to it. It’s another tough game and East Fife will be desperate to get through.

“But if we play as we know we can play, then I am confident of another good result.”

Stevie also confirmed that striker Steven Craig will be available for the East Fife match, having now become a signed player.

Jordan Kirkpatrick, who missed the Morton game with a training ground injury, will be assessed ahead of the New Bayview trip, but otherwise Sons have a clean bill of health.

The gaffer also hailed the appointment of former Sons player Stuart Millar as the club’s chief scout.

He added: “Stuart will watch future opponents for us and has made a wide range of contacts through his work in Scotland for West Brom.

“I am delighted to have him on board.”

Grant gets it spot-on

Please note that ALL content on The Dumbarton Terrace is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without the author’s prior permission.

GRANT GALLAGHER’S wish is the draw-makers’ command.

Only minutes before the teams are drawn out of the hat for the Petrofac Cup second round, the midfielder is on the phone to talk about Dumbarton’s win over Morton.

And when asked about the last 16, he replies: “I’ll take anyone, but I’d like a trip to Hampden.”

Ten minutes later, he has exactly the draw he wanted.

It’s pretty much the icing on the cake for the midfielder, whose weekend started with a double in the 3-2 victory at Cappielow.

He was then part of the winning team at the club’s golf day on Sunday – even though he doesn’t play golf.

He said: “I don’t know how that happened! A few of the boys talked a good game but on the course it was different.

“Some of the players are regular golfers – Mark Docherty spoke about it all the time and I think his team finished last!

“But it was another really good day with the players spending time together away from the football pitch.

“Saturday was a great day as well. I was delighted to get two goals and it’s a dream start for me in competitive football.”

With the trip to Hampden now pencilled in for the midweek of August 18/19, Sons can now concentrate on another cup campaign.

East Fife lie in wait at New Bayview on Saturday in the League Cup first round – and for Grant, it’s a chance for history to repeat itself.

He was in the Stranraer side which beat the Fifers 1-0 at the same stage of last season’s competition with an injury time winner.

Grant added: “I’ve always enjoyed going to New Bayview. It’s a big pitch and a good place to go and play football.

“I’ve had success there before with Stranraer, so here’s hoping it continues with Dumbarton.”

Free kick still Garry’s best

Please note that ALL content on The Dumbarton Terrace is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without the author’s prior permission.

SIXTY-SIX minutes. That’s how long some people’s goal of the season competitions might have lasted.

As soon as Garry Fleming ran on to a long ball, and lobbed the Morton keeper with skill Cristiano Ronaldo would be happy with, any contest was done and dusted.

Not just in terms of goal of the season, but Dumbarton’s game at Cappielow. It made the score 3-0.

In a way it was almost fitting that Morton pulled two goals back, as Garry’s fantastic piece of skill was the winner in a 3-2 victory.

However, the striker still reckons his best goal came seven months ago on a cold afternoon in Cowdenbeath.

His free kick in a 3-1 win at Central Park is still his favourite goal, although he hopes that the trail towards his 10-goal target for the season is now blazed.

Garry said: “I’m obviously happy to score it. I just ran on to a loose ball from the back, the defender couldn’t deal with it and I sneaked in and lobbed the keeper.

“But I’d still say my goal at Cowdenbeath last season is the best I’ve scored, even though the one on Saturday was good.

“Hopefully it’s the first of many competitive goals this season. I’m aiming for double figures and I’m off to a good start with that.”

After today’s (Monday) Petrofac Cup second round draw, Sons switch their attention to Saturday’s League Cup first round tie at East Fife.

Garry is well aware of the challenge awaiting at New Bayview, but after Saturday, confidence is high.

He added: “We’re confident of going anywhere and winning, but we know it’s not going to be an easy game.

“I’ve played against East Fife during my days at Albion Rovers and know it’s a tough place to go.

“They will be up for it as they were unlucky to lose at Falirk on Saturday, but we have confidence as well after our game.

“I thought we controlled (Saturday’s) game for long periods. We maybe took our foot off the gas a bit going into the late part when Morton got two back, but we fully deserved to win.

“Hopefully we can now push on from that and the win can give us confidence about facing Morton in the league.

“We’ll take anyone in the next round. We’ve shown we can compete with anyone in this league and we’re ready for anyone in the draw.”

Morton 2 Dumbarton 3

Please note that ALL content on The Dumbarton Terrace is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without the author’s prior permission.

CHICKEN-COUNTING. A dangerous practice at the best of times.

And surely no more hazardous than when Dumbarton are playing in the Petrofac Cup. Not even when they are coasting 3-0 with a quarter of the game to go.

Before going to Greenock they had won once in the competition since 2002. Recorded only one away victory in its 25-year history, seen by a few hardy souls in midweek at Elgin in 2000.

But at Cappielow, a first half blitz and a glorious third goal after the restart proved enough. Grant Gallagher, who three months ago was part of the Stranraer team beaten by Morton to the League One title, executed the first two finishes.

And when Garry Fleming put away a majestic lob on 66 minutes, the temptation was already there to look ahead to round two.

However, the hosts responded through Lee Kilday before Peter MacDonald got his obligatory goal against Sons from the penalty spot. This was his sixth consecutive game against Dumbarton where he has found the net – a total of eight goals, six for Dundee and two for Morton.

Sons held on, though, and in truth, only another baffling performance by referee Craig Charleston was causing any doubt that they could see it through.

While the penalty call was soft but technically correct, how the official saw fit to disallow Kevin Cawley’s goal close to half time was anybody’s guess. Bizarre bookings and inconsistent decisions were yet again the order of the day for Charleston, who simply does not have it as a referee.

But nothing was to stop Sons from getting season 2015/16 off to a deserved winning start.

It was also the start of a new era. Of the 12 players who got on the pitch, only Fleming and Scott Taggart played in the last competitive game, against Raith Rovers in May.

Six minutes was all it took for the first statement to be made. Taggart, playing against Morton for the first time since leaving them for Sons last year, sent over a cross from the right.

It was just too high for Fleming to reach, but not for Gallagher, who powerfully headed home from six yards.

The first half was not exactly littered with clear chances for either side, with the next one coming on 31 minutes. It was worth waiting for, though.

Gallagher made space for himself on the corner of the area. Whether his low ball was a cross or a shot, it found the net. Talk about getting revenge.

Joe McKee blasted Morton’s best first half chance over before Gallagher was close to a hat-trick, with his deflected shot saved.

Then he won the ball cleanly in a challenge with keeper Derek Gaston, with Cawley sticking the ball in the empty net. Strangely, Charleston somehow decided that a foul had been committed.

Morton knew something had to be done early in the second half and Stefan McCluskey’s narrow angled shot was blocked by Gregor Buchanan at close range.

But after Gallagher was again prevented from notching a treble, seeing his header from Jon Routledge’s cross saved, there was a moment of real glory.

A Morton defender had a few yards’ head start on Fleming as they chased a long ball. The gap was made up in no time, and the striker’s lobbed first-time finish was a staggering piece of skill.

Three up, Sons could surely look forward to the next round. But Bobby Barr nearly started Morton’s rescue mission with a shot that Mark Brown saved well.

Instead he was the provider for the goal which started the comeback efforts. His cross found Kilday, who volleyed home.

Willie Gibson could have sealed it for Sons with an effort which just missed the far post. Instead, with seven minutes left, the gap was reduced to a goal.

Darren Barr challenged Thomas Orr too closely in the area for Charleston’s liking, and MacDonald put the ball past a Sons keeper again from 12 yards.

To say the least this was nerve-shredding. Sons had been in a position of total control, but this WAS the Petrofac Cup. Was there yet more disappointment around the corner?

Err…no. Apart from McCluskey’s narrow angled shot which went over in injury time, there was nothing to worry about as Dumbarton saw it out.

And they deserved to. They’ve impressed with their close season signing activity. After 90 competitive minutes, the new-look side already shows promise.

Now they can look forward to the not often charted territory of round two. There can be few people who mind who they draw.

Morton: Gaston; Kilday, O’Ware (Cairnie 46), McKee (Stevenson 59), Forbes, MacDonald, McCluskey, Scullion (Orr 81), Pepper, Barr, Russell. Subs: Adam; Tennant.

Dumbarton: Brown; Taggart, Buchanan, Cawley, Gallagher (Smith 69), Fleming, Gibson, Barr, Waters, Routledge, Lindsay. Subs: Adger; Graham, Miller, McCallum, Hopkins. Booked: Waters, Barr.

Referee: Craig Charleston.

Crowd: 1,418.

Dumbarton’s number nine

Please note that ALL content on The Dumbarton Terrace is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without the author’s prior permission.

HE’S taken the same number as a striker with connections to Morton and Dumbarton.

And Garry Fleming hopes that his new jersey can help him rank alongside the likes of Paddy Flannery as Sons’ number nine – starting with Saturday’s trip to Cappielow.

The striker, who has spent the last two seasons with the number 14 shirt, will wear the traditional centre forward’s number this time around.

He’s already unofficially off and running after bagging the winner in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Clydebank in the first team’s final pre-season friendly.

The Dumbarton man revealed that he asked new manager Stevie Aitken for his new squad number.

Aitken is Garry’s third gaffer with Sons – and the striker has already been impressed by what he’s seen from the new boss.

He said: “I’m happy to take the number nine shirt – I asked the gaffer if I could have it, so I’ve probably put myself under a bit of pressure!

“Hopefully I can follow up what other players have done in that jersey by scoring goals. I’m aiming for double figures.

“It’s been the same every year I’ve been at Dumbarton and while I haven’t reached double figures in a season yet, hopefully this is the one.

“But I’m also happy if I can help to set goals up. It’s just as good as scoring.

“The new manager has been very good. I like the way he’s gone about his business, and I know his assistant Stevie Farrell from when we were in the juniors together.

“His training has probably been up there with the best I’ve had. There’s a good tempo and the boys give it their best shot.”

Sons head to Cappielow looking to win away from home in the Petrofac Cup, under its various guises, for the first time since 2000.

It will be their first competitive game since May’s 2-2 draw at home to Raith Rovers. Only four players who took part in that match could be involved at Greenock.

Garry is one of them, but despite the big changes at the Rock over the close season, he’s revelling in his role as part of Aitken’s new-look squad.

He added: “I’m looking forward to a new season with a new manager and we can’t wait for our first competitive game on Saturday.

“I’m always happy to score, no matter what kind of game it is, and Saturday’s goal was all the better for being the winner.

“Clydebank gave us a good run on Saturday and we were just happy to win the game. Now we hope to push on from there.

“With the way we’ve gone about our business in pre-season, the boys are flying at the moment. We’ll be going to Cappielow thinking we can get a result.

“It’s been a whole new rebuild that the gaffer has done. He’s brought in quality players who will push for a starting place.

“It’s been brilliant being part of the new-look team. I know most of the new signings from playing against them and it’s all fallen into place.

“You get to know each other as pre-season goes on and we have a good squad.”

Disappointed, but proud

Please note that ALL content on The Dumbarton Terrace is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without the author’s prior permission.

SOME players might go in the huff at losing their team’s captaincy.

Refuse to play. Request a transfer. Generally launch their toys out the pram.

But Andy Graham isn’t that type. In fact, he’s the polar opposite.

His three-year spell in possession of the Dumbarton armband may be over, with close season signing Darren Barr now being the team leader on the pitch.

However, while Andy is disappointed, remaining part of the team is now his sole objective.

And not just any team.

Andy has yet to kick a ball for Sons since May, as a result of a family wedding on the day of the first pre-season friendly, and then an ankle injury.

Now, although he’ll no longer be captain, he wants to end his wait for a game, starting this Saturday at Morton.

He said: “I’m disappointed but I’m proud that for the last few years I’ve been captain of Dumbarton.

“It’s a new manager and a new era at the club and as part of that he’s decided to have a new captain as well.

“It’s his decision and I can’t do anything about it. I just need to work hard on getting back into the team after injury.

“My only focus now is playing for Dumbarton. I haven’t played any pre-season games and that’s the biggest problem for me right now.

“As disappointed as I am to lose the captaincy, that’s from a pride point of view. I’m concentrating on winning back my place in the team.

“It’s a club that has grown close to my heart and I don’t have eyes anywhere else.

“I’ve had some great moments in the last three years and I hope there will be more to come. For Dumbarton not only to survive, but to survive comfortably, has been a real achievement.

“We also had the season where we finished fifth and were pushing for the play-offs, and we’re aiming to be quite comfortable again this season. With the strength of the league that would be amazing.”

Saturday’s game has extra meaning for Andy, as it’s at the home ground of the Morton team he supported as a boy.

The centre half admitted it’s been hard watching from the sidelines as his team-mates prepare for the new season.

But he’s hopeful that after two full training sessions this week, he’ll be involved at Cappielow.

He added: “It’s not going too badly. I’m hoping to train fully tonight and on Thursday and if there is no reaction, hopefully I can be available for Saturday.

“The recovery has taken a bit longer than I hoped it would but it’s the best time to do it as you are not missing competitive games.

“It’s been really frustrating sitting out – it’s the worst thing in football, especially when you are working so hard.

“I’d been feeling great, my fitness was really good and I couldn’t wait for the games to come. Unfortunately I then rolled my ankle and that ruled me out.

“The pre-season results haven’t been brilliant, apart from the Hearts game where we were brilliant, but the players are getting to know each other and there have been positive signs.

“It could be anyone we were playing on Saturday – I would just want to be involved. There’s nothing worse than training all week and not being involved in the game.

“Morton are a team I grew up supporting so it’s a bit special every time I play there. Hopefully it can come this week.”

Update: Trialist scorer to leave Sons

Please note that ALL content on The Dumbarton Terrace is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without the author’s prior permission.

TRIALIST Mark Thomson is to move on from Dumbarton – despite scoring in last night’s 3-1 defeat to Stranraer.

Gaffer Stevie Aitken revealed that the last-minute consolation goal was the former Kilmarnock youngster’s final act in a Sons jersey.

But striker Pedro Moutinho, also a trialist in pre-season, could be staying at the club – as under-20 coach.

While Stevie was disappointed to lose to his former team at New Tinto Park in Glasgow last night, he felt that the game was still a positive exercise.

He said: “I’m not going to say I enjoyed my team losing – I wouldn’t say that against anyone.

“But at this stage, while results are great, it’s about getting to know strengths and weaknesses and try different things out. In that respect, last night served its purpose.

“It was disappointing to lose but it’s another bit of work towards the start of the season.

“Mark has now left the club. We couldn’t take things any further with him and last night was his last game for us.

“We felt it was right to give him 90 minutes, especially with other clubs watching, and we wish him all the best for the future.

“As far as Pedro is concerned, we had the under-20 coach role set aside for him and I will speak to him again this week to see what his thoughts are.

“It would be a coaching role, as he has been doing all his badges alongside Stevie Farrell over the summer. We hope to reach a final decision tomorrow night.”

There may be other trialists involved when Sons’ first team have their final friendly match before the new season, against Clydebank on Saturday.

Tuesday night’s trip to Stenhousemuir is an under-20 match, meaning that the Bankies clash is the top squad’s last chance to impress before the competitive kick-off against Morton.

And Stevie is in no doubt as to which area of the squad he is keenest to strengthen.

He continued: “We may set the team up differently as there are still some ideas I want to look at.

“But we are close to knowing what the starting team will be to face Morton.

“There could be other trialists involved on Saturday. We are talking to different players and agents about potential targets and there may be new faces involved.

“If that’s the case then great, if not then we still have another week before the season starts.

“I am comfortable with the players we have that there is cover in enough areas of the pitch, but the focus is on a striker. We will cover every avenue and speak to as many people as we can.

“One thing I am really happy with is the fitness of the players. The last couple of games have been good exercises and the players have had good game time.

“Now that we have that to build on, we can fine tune other areas of the game.”

There is also some possibility that Saturday could see skipper Andy Graham kick a ball for the first time in the pre-season campaign.

No injuries were reported from last night’s game, but the team captain is still waiting to play.

Stevie added: “Andy is desperate for some game time. He was training really well until he took a knock which could have happened at any time.

“He is maybe a week behind, but we will see how he is in training tomorrow and hopefully get him some game time soon.

“But there is no point in rushing him back. It would be good to have him available for the Morton game, but if not, then we will keep targeting the next game for him to return.”

The wins will set us up

Please note that ALL content on The Dumbarton Terrace is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without the author’s prior permission.

SOME people say pre-season games don’t matter ahead of the competitive action.

If that’s the case, a goal and two assists over Dumbarton’s first two friendlies must be immaterial to Willie Gibson.

But try telling that to him – or indeed anybody at Sons.

The winger’s set piece delivery made the difference in last night’s 2-0 win over Hearts, as Grant Gallagher and then Kevin Cawley headed home the goals.

And afterwards Willie, who also scored in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Edinburgh City, told The Dumbarton Terrace that he feels there is significance attached to the pre-season build-up.

He said: “It’s started well, hasn’t it?

“It’s now all about maintaining the standard we’ve set and it’s been good to get off and running with a goal and a couple of assists.

“But that’s my job, and hopefully I can continue to do that during pre-season and when the action kicks off.

“I’m not a believer that pre-season games don’t matter. They’re organised to set you up for the season ahead and if you are beaten in them then you are low on confidence going into the competitive fixtures.

“The manager puts the team out there to win. There are some trialists involved but we go out there to put on a performance.”

Over the next fortnight, it’s all about keeping the so-far impressive pre-season form ticking over until the competitive stuff starts.

That will be in the Petrofac Cup first round, away to Morton, who saw off the challenge of Willie, Grant and manager Stephen Aitken, then at Stranraer, to win last season’s League One title.

But Willie insists he’s not using the trip to Cappielow as a revenge mission – although he is plotting to finish higher than the Greenock men in the league.

Preparation at the Rock has been intense, with FOUR nights’ training currently being completed every week.

Willie added: “There’s no revenge for myself. Morton thoroughly deserved to win the league.

“Stranraer punched well above their weight and although they were unlucky in the end, I’ve now got a fresh challenge which includes finishing above Morton in the league.

“It’s early days to say what we can achieve. Usually when teams have played each other once you have a feel for where you are going.

“But the players are confident. We have a good group of boys here.

“Everybody finds it tough in pre-season but it’s about getting fitter and sharper and even though we are part-time, we’ve probably trained as much as full-time teams.”

Dumbarton 2 Hearts 0

Please note that ALL content on The Dumbarton Terrace is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without author’s prior permission.

THE stadium has taken on a new identity.

And so might Dumbarton have done.

As a team who, albeit after only 180 minutes of friendly football, could do some real damage in the full-time Championship next season.

Sound fanciful? Try saying that after watching them roll over a Hearts side which, although not at its strongest, still had first-team regulars involved.

Grant Gallagher’s header put them ahead after eight minutes and, nine minutes after the interval, Kevin Cawley doubled the lead.

Willie Gibson, Saturday’s goalscorer at Edinburgh City, provided the assists for both. So that’s all three goals so far in pre-season scored by players who Stephen Aitken worked with at Stranraer.

Not a bad way to make an impression. But there was more to it than just the craft on the attacking side.

While the Jambos had a lot of the ball in the second half, what they were allowed to do with it was minimal. Sons’ strength and resolve kept them their second clean sheet.

Ultimately the new-look Dumbarton side will start being judged from the first whistle at Cappielow on Saturday, July 25.

However, the evidence so far is all positive. If that cup tie with Morton was this Saturday they’d be willing it to be brought on.

They wasted no time in getting on top of this game, the first at their stadium under its new name. Gibson’s early shot forced keeper Jack Hamilton into a fine save before the winger set up the opening goal.

His corner from the left was headed home by Gallagher and already Sons were on top.

Minutes later Garry Fleming’s header was dipping under the crossbar before Hamilton got a touch to keep it out.

Gavin Reilly, Hearts’ new signing from Queen of the South, went close to equalising on 33 minutes only for his low shot to rebound off the post.

Cawley, and then Gregor Buchanan, were close to extending the hosts’ lead before keeper Mark Brown beat away Reilly’s effort.

The visitors did threaten at the start of the second half, with Sam Nicholson’s header saved before Brown again kept Reilly out at close range. At the other end, Gibson’s 30-yard shot was saved.

Instead, he had to settle for another assist. Buchanan headed his corner towards goal and Cawley was there to finish the job at close range.

Jordan Kirkpatrick was unlucky with a shot from the edge of the area shortly afterwards before the raft of substitutions by both sides which did little for the flow of the game.

All that remained in terms of clearcut chances was Nicholson’s low shot from distance which Brown beat away, and the defence scrambled to safety.

It’s still 16 days until the competitive action starts at Greenock. The way things are going, that seems a pity. This Dumbarton side, on the early evidence, is ready.

Dumbarton: Brown; Taggart (Thomson (T) 60), Docherty (Waters 60), Barr, Buchanan, Routledge, Cawley, Gallagher (Miller 60), Fleming (Smith 46), Kirkpatrick (Moutinho (T) 60), Gibson (McCallum 74). Sub: Ewings.

Hearts: Hamilton; Buchanan (Paterson 59), Smith (McKirdy 59), Jones (McGhee 59), Howlett-Mundle (Augustyn 59), Pallardo (Anderson 59), King (Delgado 59), Henderson, Reilly (El Hassnaoui 59), McLean (Oliver 59), Walker (Nicholson 59). Sub: Alexander.

Referee: Alan Muir.

Crowd: 347.

Jon’s return to the scene of his triumph

Please note that ALL content on The Dumbarton Terrace is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without the author’s prior permission.

FOURTEEN months ago he was part of a side which produced one of Scottish football’s most staggering results of recent times.

Now Jon Routledge is looking forward to going back to where it all happened.

On Saturday, October 17, the midfielder will return to Easter Road, where his Hamilton Accies side overturned a 2-0 first leg deficit to win promotion and relegate Hibernian.

But he won’t be doing so with the New Douglas Park club – he’ll be playing for Dumbarton, for whom he has now signed.

The 25-year-old told The Dumbarton Terrace of his satisfaction at the move, following a trial appearance in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Edinburgh City.

And as well as Hibs – who also visit the Rock on the league season’s opening day – he’s looking forward to taking on some other well-known clubs.

He said: “I like Easter Road – I’ve always liked it whenever I’ve played there. I’m looking forward to going back and hopefully I can get another positive result with Dumbarton.

“It’s an exciting league this year. There are some quality times in it and some good pitches to play on.

“I’m happy to get my move to Dumbarton sorted and I’m looking forward to the start of the new season.

“My agent spoke to the manager and I’m glad it’s all over the line and I can move forward.

“There were a few little things in the pipeline but I liked what the manager had to say and I’m looking forward to the challenge.

“Dumbarton have some quality players and management, and they will look to do as well as they can. Hopefully we can get off to a good start, pick up a bit of momentum and gather as many points as we can.”

Jon has even played English Premier League football – albeit only for a minute or two, as a late sub for Wigan Athletic in a 1-0 win over Portsmouth in May 2009.

Now he’s going part-time for the first time in his career, but it’s not a prospect that worries him, and he’s already considering what he’s going to do away from football.

His Sons debut was won on Saturday by a solitary goal from Willie Gibson, with Jon playing the second half as a trialist.

He added: “I was happy with how it went. It was good to get involved with the lads and get a touch of the ball, and overall it was a positive fitness exercise.

“It’s my first time going part-time in football but you don’t really miss much. In full-time football you maybe get one or two more training sessions a week but it’s just little bits and bobs. As long as I keep myself in shape there won’t be a problem.

“I’m thinking I might try and get a course under my belt education-wise away from football, but I’ll see how the next few months work out and take it from there.”