Albion Rovers player/boss Darren Young, who was voted League 2 Manager of the Month, is the latest to fall under the SPFL Spotlight.
What is the best goal you have scored?
My first senior goal remains very special to me as it came just a year after I left school. I was only 17 and I scored for Aberdeen against Barry Town in a UEFA Cup tie. Dean Windass headed the ball down and I sent a low drive home from the edge of the box at the Richard Donald Stand end of the ground. I also remain proud of scoring in two semi-finals for Dunfermline. Ironically, one was at Pittodrie in a Scottish Cup replay win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle. The other was a penalty against Livingston in the League Cup, which was the only goal of the game.
What is the best game you have played in?
The 2007 Scottish Cup final between Dunfermline and Celtic at Hampden, even though the Pars lost 1-0 to Jean-Joel Perrier-Doumbe’s goal. I was awarded Man of the Match, which was a great honour and a tremendous accolade, but I would have swapped that for a win.
What is your favourite away ground?
The Olympic Stadium in Berlin, where I captained Aberdeen against Hertha Berlin in 2002. It was another UEFA Cup tie and the first leg had been a goalless draw at Pittodrie. We put on a backs-to-the-wall performance in the second leg before going down 1-0 to a last-minute goal.
What is your favourite other sport?
I like watching tennis, especially when Andy Murray plays. Unlike a lot of footballers I am not into golf.
Which player in the world would you like to have played alongside?
Zinedine Zidane was a fantastic player and I would love to have played alongside him. He could create chances out of nothing.
What is your favourite pre-match meal?
For away games it would be chicken and pasta and for home games I would have some toast with banana.
What is your favourite music?
I like dance music and in particular the GB Experience. I read Jim McIntyre’s Spotlight last week and, like him, I remember putting tapes together with tunes I had recorded off the radio.
Who is the biggest moaner you have played with?
Scott ‘Nipper’ Thomson, who I was with at Aberdeen and Dunfermline. We had some great times together but Scott is known to complain about most things!
Who was your most skilful team-mate?
Eoin Jess – he was brilliant. I really enjoyed playing alongside him. He had two spells at Aberdeen, as well as playing in England, and he was a terrific player to have in your team.
Who was your worst dressed team-mate?
That is quite an easy one to answer – Ben Thornley, who joined Aberdeen after playing for Manchester United. He had the lot, sheepskin jackets, designer labels and he wore what he wanted to. Most of it was horrendous and very expensive.
Who is the best trainer you have played with?
I would like to think that was me and I am still playing at 36 which is testament to that! I always liked my training and getting a sweat up. If I had to pick someone else it would be Gary Mason who was at Dunfermline at the same time I was.
And the best dancer?!
Eddie Ferns at Alloa is a bit of a raver and is known to cut a few shapes on the dance floor. He is getting a run in the Alloa team just now and I am delighted for him as he can go on and build a good career for himself.
Craig Stewart
