Today we caught up with Euan Lownie to give us the lowdown on Montrose!
How would you assess your club's 22/23 season so far?
It’s been a positive first half of the season. As expected, League One has once again been fiercely contested but Montrose are thankfully up towards the top of the table. There are some big names in the league and every point will count but I back the squad’s ability.
It was a real disappointment to lose Cammy Ballantyne over the summer as I think he and Andrew Steeves have been one of the best sets of full-backs in the league for multiple years but our recruitment was strong. Rory McAllister has been an exciting acquisition, Ross Sinclair has been strong between the sticks and Ross County boys Matthew Wright and Adam Mackinnon have both provided some spark. We welcomed back Cammy F Ballantyne with open arms for a fourth loan spell. Each time he’s proven to be a great player to have in the squad. This added to a long serving group of talent who all play a key role.
Bar a few off days, we’ve been impressive again this year, only losing one league game at home and pulling off a few impressive results including a 2-0 win over league leaders Dunfermline Athletic.
Main Man: Favourite current player and why
Andrew Steeves. This was a tough question as there are so many top players to pick from but Andy has always been a player I’ve admired. He’s consistent, solid defensively and offers a lot when bombing down the wing. This, paired with his clear passion and commitment for the badge, makes him the type of player any fan is lucky to have.
In March, he became the fourth member of the current squad to reach over 300 games for Montrose and I hope there are many more to come.
What is your earliest memory supporting your club?
My earliest memory is going to watch my Dad’s cousin Andrew Hutcheon play for the Mighty Mo but I was very young at the time so I have a pretty vague recollection of all of the details. I also have fond memories of the club coming along to Bervie Primary School to run some coaching sessions.
Explain the nickname:
The club is nicknamed ‘The Gable Endies’ in reference to the style of housing that was built in the town where the gable ends of the building would face the street. This continental style of home was often owned by wealthy traders and good examples of them can still be seen on the town's High Street.
Almost Famous – What is your club best known for?
I guess Links Park is one of the main things the club is known for.
It’s quite a small stadium but it offers lots of ways to enjoy the game. You’ve got terracing, you can stand almost the full way round the pitch and get up close and personal with the players, or you’ve got the Main Stand which stands proudly and offers a perch to catch the game from if that’s more your thing. It’s a welcoming place that peeks out from between residential streets and that only adds to the family feel of the club. There’s also the added bonus of quality pies from the local baker on offer once you pass through the turnstiles.
I’ve seen it appear on many a ‘best away days in Scottish football’ list for these reasons and rightly so.
Greatest Gaffer: Your favourite/most loved boss watching your team
Our current manager Stewart Petrie is my favourite Montrose manager. He’s been at the club for six years as of this month, making him the second longest serving manager in the SPFL behind Dick Campbell at Arbroath. He joined after a disappointing period which saw the club escape relegation to the Highland League following a famous victory over Brora Rangers. His arrival made a huge impact and since then Montrose have consistently challenged at the top of the table, first in League Two which led to a title win in 2017/18 and then after that in League One.
As well as this, Stewart always made time for myself and others when I volunteered with the club. So, his ability as a coach and his character as a person makes him my favourite Montrose gaffer.
Can you tell us one interesting fact about your club which other fans may not know?
According to Guinness World Records, Montrose player Ian Dickson is the youngest player in Scottish football to score a hatrick. He did this on his debut against Third Lanark on the 22nd of October 1966, aged just 18 years and 215 days old.
Who would make your ultimate all-time 5-a-side team?
1. Allan Fleming - a top shot stopper with the ability to pull off a wondersave.
2. Sean Dillon - a rock at the back with bags of experience.
3. Graham Webster - the current top goalscorer at the club with over 300 Montrose appearances to his name, Webby has consistently been a key player for the team.
4. Martin Boyle - from the Mighty Mo to the Australian World Cup squad. A winger with pace to burn and an eye for goal.
5. Chris Templeman - the definition of ‘good feet for a big man.’ All 6’5” of Sanny was a joy to watch. The ball stuck to his boots, he’d win everything in the air and he could pull off a spectacular finish. Exactly the man you’d want to lead the line.
What is your all-time favourite match?
I think I’ll have to go for the final match of the 2017/18 season which saw us lift the title. We finished on 77 points, just a single point ahead of Peterhead so the point we got that day clinched it. Links Park was packed, we went behind just before half-time and it was tense but there was real belief we could do it. When Jamie Redman’s strike went in, the place erupted and that was enough to get us over the line. That ended 22 years in the bottom division and marked a real turnaround from the Highland League play-off a few years prior. It felt like a real win, not just for the team but for the local area.
What should visiting fans make sure they see/do when visiting your club/town?
If you are interested in the outdoors, Montrose basin and wildlife reserve is a nice spot and the coastline which stretches across the town has some amazing sandy beaches. If golfing is more your thing, then Montrose is home to the 5th oldest course in the world. Special mention also goes to The Montrose Playhouse, a community run cinema in what used to be the town’s swimming pool.
What makes your club special to YOU?
There are many elements which make the club special but I think the community element has to be at the top of this. The Montrose Community Trust is something which makes a sizeable impact for all ages in the local area, running everything from soccer school programmes to football memories sessions and mental health initiatives to services to help those in need over Christmas. This community presence extends right onto the pitch as our centre back Kerr Waddell works for the Community Trust as well as being a key player for the squad.
Around the club there seems to be a togetherness between the team and the fans. There are so many volunteers who help to play a role in making the club function and on a personal note, I don’t think I would be in my current job had I not been given the opportunity, trust and freedom I was to try new things with the club’s media channels.
The great environment around the club is also a key factor in why so many of this current squad have stayed for so long. With Terry Masson, Paul Watson, Graham Webster and Andrew Steeves - we’re set to have four consecutive years with testimonials and that’s pretty special.
You simply have to say, Mon the Mo.
You can follow Montrose's progress every week in our SPFL Lower League Round Up - watch the latest edition now!
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