Stranraer defender Craig Pettigrew has helped Stephen Aitken’s side reach the League 1 summit this season after a successful spell with Auchinleck Talbot.
The 28-year-old former Ayr United man is the latest player to go under the SPFL Spotlight, ahead of Saturday’s Stair Park clash with Dunfermline.
What is the best goal you have ever scored?
This will be a controversial choice with the Stranraer fans but I will go for my goal for Ayr United! It was the winner at Somerset Park in a game against Raith Rovers that was goalless with nine minutes to go. I took a dribble up the park and beat a couple of men before hitting home a shot via the underside of the bar. I remember thinking at that the time it was not bad for a defender and I still think that! I scored a few important goals when I was at Auchinleck and my next goal will be my best one for Stranraer!
What is the best game you have played in?
That was for Auchinleck Talbot in the Scottish Cup back in 2012 when we played Hearts at Tynecastle. We lost 1-0 and we were really unlucky not to get anything, especially as we scored a good goal that was ruled out for offside. They fielded a strong side and there was a big crowd and great atmosphere at the game. Hearts went on to beat Hibs 5-1 in the final so at least we could say that we were knocked out by the winners.
What is your favourite away ground?
Dunfermline’s East End Park, where we have picked up a couple of good wins this season. It is a Premiership ground and there has been decent crowd at both games and that has helped the atmosphere.
What is your favourite other sport?
I do not play any other sport away from football. I have tried golf a few times but it is not for me as I do not have the patience – one bad shot and I want to walk off! I have two children now as well so any spare time I spend with them. Before every home game we all meet in a hotel at Stranraer for lunch and there are pool tables and even carpet bowls. We usually begin our build-up to a game by playing against each other.
Which player in the world would you like to have played alongside?
Being a defender, it has to be someone that plays in the same position and that would be the Italian legend Paolo Maldini. I would imagine most players pick Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo but it was always Paolo for me. I enjoyed watching him play and it would have been great to line up with him.
What is your favourite pre-match meal?
It is the old favourites of chicken, pasta and fish.
What is your favourite music?
I know a good song when I hear one but I do not have a particular favourite or style. The players at Stranraer all chipped in for a big beat box at the start of the season and Chris Aitken, Grant Gallagher and Stevie Bell are usually the boys choosing the tunes. They help us get up for games but I just usually nod my head along to them.
Who is the biggest moaner you have played with?
I don’t know if I have been unlucky but I have played with a good few! I am sure some of my team-mates would say I am one as well but I put my style down to being a winner. When I was at Auchinleck, Steven White and James Latta were constantly moaning. I was there for six years and I can still hear them moaning now! At Stranraer, Stevie Bell starts moaning at you before you even get the ball – a pass will be coming your way and he starts.
Who is your most skilful team-mate?
Willie Gibson is right up there with the most skilful players in our league and the leagues above. He has really quick feet and you can see why he has played at a high level.
Who is/was your worst dressed team-mate?
One of my former Auchinleck team-mates Keir Milliken always wore pretty shoddy gear on match days and at training. Jackson Longridge is at the other end of the spectrum as he likes all his really expensive gear but it is incredibly tight and certainly not my style!
Who is the best trainer you have played with?
At Stranraer the training is of a really high standard and it is hard to pick anyone out. In the Juniors the training is a lot tougher than people realise and there are boys there - Stevie White, Bryan Young and James Latta - who put in 100% effort in every single training session.
Who is the best dancer?!
I am not sure at Stranraer as I have only been at a couple of night outs with them and the dancing was of a low standard!
Craig Stewart
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