Today we’re joined by Cove Rangers fan Kate Dean, to give us the lowdown on the Toonsers.
How would you assess your club's 22/23 season so far?
As expected. It’s a big jump from League 1 to the Championship, and we all realised that, despite our success over the last few seasons, we weren’t going to get everything our own way.
We’ve lacked a bit of consistency this season, but when you look at the calibre of the teams we’re facing, we are holding our own, and as long as we can stay above the “dotted line” at the bottom of the table, I’ll be delighted.
Main Man: Favourite current player and why
A difficult question, but on recent form it has to be Connor Scully. Connor has been with us since Highland League days, and has grown into a formidable footballer. He’s a local loon as well, and a thoroughly nice guy.
What is your earliest memory supporting your club?
My husband used to take our two sons to the matches, and through the winter I would go down at half-time and take them home if it was too cold for them to stay through 90 minutes. But gradually I started going to the matches earlier and leaving later, until I was hooked.
There has always been a good social side to supporting the Club too, and we’ve made some lifelong friends along the way.
Explain the nickname
The Toonsers – this started in the Highland League, as you’re either a Toonser or you’re “fae the country”.
Almost Famous – What is your club best known for?
I think the thing most folk will know about Cove is the fantastic progress we have made over the last five years, from Highland League to the Championship. While the fans expected the Club to hold their own on promotion to the SPFL, nobody expected us to ascend through the leagues at the speed we have.
Greatest Gaffer: Your favourite/most loved boss watching your team
Got to be John Sheran. He’s had two spells with the Club, and in the more recent one, was the manager who led us to numerous Highland League Championships, several play-offs, and eventually to promotion to the SPFL.
Can you tell us one interesting fact about your club which other fans may not know?
The Club made history in 1954 when they travelled by air to a Scottish Amateur Cup tie with Glengarnock Thistle in Renfrew.
The decision was made because the players were finding it increasingly difficult to get time off work to compete in the national competition.
They had the misfortune of having to play away in each of the previous five rounds, so the club agreed to fork out £120 - a considerable sum in 1954 - to enable the players to depart on the morning of the tie.
They flew to Glasgow - after helping clear heavy snow off the wings of the aircraft, and runway, at Dyce Airport - then completed the rest of the journey to Ayrshire by coach.
Who would make your ultimate all-time 5-a-side team?
I’d really need a 55-a-side team to do justice to all the great players I’ve seen at Cove over the years, so this has probably been the hardest question to answer.
- Stuart McKenzie – current goalkeeper and the safest pair of hands in League 1 last season
- Eric Watson – a stalwart of our Highland League team, a cracking defender and a hero of our Club
- Connor Scully – a home-grown talent, who can play in any position.
- Mitch Megginson – current Captain, and scored more than 200 goals for the Club
- Mike Megginson – father of the above, and also a prolific goalscorer for Cove in his day. I’d just love to see these two in the same team
What is your all-time favourite match?
I’m torn between the Scottish Cup match against Hibs last season, where we held them for 112 minutes before they managed to score, and the Play-Off final against Berwick Rangers. I think the Berwick game has to come out on top because of its significance to the Club, and the party atmosphere among the fans.
What should visiting fans make sure they see/do when visiting your club/town?
Old Cove is very picturesque, with its harbour and traditional fishermen’s cottages. You’ve got all the delights of Aberdeen just a bus trip away, but while visiting the Stadium, everyone should try our signature Balmoral Pie, containing chicken, haggis, oatmeal and gravy – delicious!
What makes your club special to YOU?
It’s the whole atmosphere of the place. There’s a great camaraderie among the fans, and it’s fantastic to see so many people, from the Board and the Sponsors to the match day volunteers, all giving their time and effort in support of our Club.
You can follow Cove Rangers' progress every week in our SPFL Lower League Round Up - watch the latest edition now!
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