Today's article looks at one of the SPFL's newest member clubs, Kelty Hearts. Two of the club's founder members, George & Gus gave us the lowdown.
How would you assess your club's 22/23 season so far?
It’s been inconsistent with a lack of firepower up front.
Kelty currently sit in 8th place in League 1 in their maiden campaign in the division. After storming L2 last season, the Maroon Machine have found life a bit trickier in their second season as an SPFL member club.
Home form has been solid, picking up 5 wins and 2 draws in 9 matches. But just one win on the road (3-2 away to Falkirk in October) shows that there are improvements to be made.
Nonetheless, the squad is one which is littered with talent and experience in equal abundance. If Kelty can string together a consistent run of positive results, expect them to surge up the table in the second half of the season.
Main Man: Favourite current player and why?
Jordon Forster has been a rock in defence for us.
Signed in May 2021 as a free agent after leaving Dundee, Forster has been the beating heart of the Kelty back line ever since. A powerful, intelligent defender with bags of experience higher up the Scottish football food chain, Forster was a key member of last season’s title-winning squad. Aged 29 he still has plenty to give and could well be a key player for years to come.
What is your earliest memory supporting your club?
Just over 40 years ago we raised funds to build the Pavilion.
Kelty Hearts were founded in 1975, initially competing at amateur level as members of the Kirkcaldy & District Amateur Football Association. The club quickly surged up through the divisions, before graduating from amateur to junior football.
In the space of almost 50 years, Kelty have gone from amateur status to competing professionally in the third tier of the SPFL. A remarkable achievement.
Explain the nickname -
Jambos - after Heart of Midlothian.
Kelty also took inspiration for their maroon colours from the Edinburgh club.
Almost Famous – What is your club best known for?
Raising the profile of the village Kelty and bringing the community together.
Kelty’s meteoric rise through the Scottish football pyramid has raised the profile of the village exponentially. The signing of big names in lower league football such as Nathan Austin, Joe Cardle and Michael Tidser has firmly placed Kelty on the Scottish footballing map!
Greatest Gaffer: Your favourite/most loved boss watching your team?
Tam Courts.
Before attracting national attention at Dundee United, Tam Courts made his name with Kelty.
Courts managed the Maroon Machine for a five-year period between October 2013 and October 2018. In that time, Kelty won the East Region Super League twice and won the East of Scotland Football League, gaining promotion to the Lowland League.
Courts can be credited with instilling a winning culture at the club and sowing the seeds for the further success and promotions to come.
Can you tell us one interesting fact about your club which other fans may not know?
The hard-working committee are the same that started the club off in 1975.
Who would make your ultimate all-time 5-a-side team?
1. John Lister
2. Les McKellen
3. Conrad Courts
4. Michael Tidser
5. Kallum Higginbotham
What is your all-time favourite match?
It has to be the Brechin play-off matches.
Brechin City stood in between Kelty Hearts and promotion to the SPFL in May 2021.
The first leg at New Central Park saw Kelty take an early lead through Kallum Higginbotham, before being quickly pegged back by the away side. Cameron Russell’s 45th minute goal was enough to secure a 2-1 win on the day for the Jambos, but the tie was far from over.
The return leg at Glebe Park was full of drama. Kelty had the better of the possession and play but couldn’t seem to find the killer goal to put their opponents away. Brechin’s Chris McKee was sent off late in the first half, but still the Jambos couldn’t capitalise. A second red card of the game was shown late on, this time to Kelty defender Scott Hooper, leading to a nervy end to the match.
Step forward, Michael Tidser. The Kelty skipper arrived in the Brechin box in the 88th minute and delivered the knockout blow. He coolly slotted the ball past David Hutton and sealed promotion to the SPFL for the Maroon Machine!
What should visiting fans make sure they see/do when visiting your club/town?
Visit our Social Club which is courteous, friendly and full off community spirit.
What makes your club special to YOU?
The ambition and dedication shown by everyone associated with our club.
You can follow Kelty Hearts' progress every week in our SPFL Lower League Round Up - watch the latest edition now!
