Today we’re joined by Ryan Moffat, to give us the ultimate guide to the new kids on the SPFL block - Bonnyrigg Rose.
How would you assess your club's 22/23 season so far?
We got off to a great start to life in League Two with two wins and a draw but since then, things haven’t really gone our way and with injuries and suspensions, we’ve struggled to pick up points.
The manager has kept faith with the squad that got us up into the SPFL with just three new summer additions in Josh Grigor, Conor Doan and the vastly experienced Kevin Smith. This is a squad that are used to winning football matches most weeks, therefore I think the boys are a bit low in confidence at the moment.
Performances have improved and I’m confident that with some recent additions on loan as well as players returning from injury that we’ll pick up points to pull away from the bottom of the league.
For me, this season is about survival which will allow us to continue to build and establish ourselves longer term as an SPFL side.
Main Man: Who is your favourite current player and why?
I’d have to go with Callum Connolly, the midfielder signed from Penicuik at the start of last season.
He played a huge part in our promotion to League 2, hitting double figures and scoring in big matches including a stunner against Fraserburgh in the promotion play-offs.
An old-fashioned box to box midfielder, I’d be surprised if anyone covered more ground than Callum for the Rose last season.
How did your Bonnyrigg Rose story start?
Unlike a lot of my fellow supporters who have followed the Rose for many years, I am actually quite new to supporting the club.
I was a season ticket holder at Hearts but after the 2018/19 season, I started going along to my local non-league ground to watch the Rose as they began life in the Lowland League.
Although I’d obviously been aware of the Rose and how successful they’d been in the Junior and East of Scotland Leagues, my first game at New Dundas Park wasn’t until 2018.
It was a Scottish Junior Cup tie against local rivals Newtongrange Star in which the Rose won 5-2. Not a bad one to start with.
Explain the nickname
The Rose or The Rosey Posey. I don’t think much explanation is needed there.
What I will say is that ‘Rosey Posey’ fits perfectly into the lyrics of the Hokey Cokey which you’ll often here on the terraces or on the supporters’ bus enroute to away games.
Almost Famous – What is your club best known for?
I’d be surprised if any teams can boast that James Bond has played for them. Well Bonnyrigg Rose can.
The late Sir Sean Connery played right wing for the Rose in the 1950s and even attracted interest from Manchester United with his performances before eventually hanging up his boots to become none other than 007.
Tell us one interesting fact about your club which other fans may not know
Bonnyrigg became the first Junior side to knock a Scottish Championship team out of the Scottish Cup in 2016.
We won 1-0 away to Dumbarton to earn a glamour tie against holders Hibernian in the next round.
Greatest Gaffer: Your favourite/most loved boss watching your team
There’s only ever been one gaffer whilst I’ve followed the Rose and that is Robbie Horn – a legend for guiding the club into the SPFL.
He’s kept the nucleus of the squad from the Juniors and has the team consistently exceeding expectations. He’s a great guy who will always spend time chatting to supporters and he’s someone who the Rose are extremely lucky to have at the helm.
Who would make your ultimate all-time 5-a-side team?
It would be easy to pick ex-Rose players such as Hibs legend Pat Stanton or John White, who was part of the Spurs double winning side of 1960/61, however I’ll go for five modern day Rose heroes.
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Mark Weir – Mark is in his second spell for the Rose and is the current number one at New Dundas Park. A fantastic shot stopper, readers may remember watching his Man of the Match display v Dundee in the Scottish Cup on the BBC.
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Alan Horne – The ‘Tranent Pele’. Al was recently awarded with a testimonial and is a Rolls Royce of a centre half. His reading of the game is incredible even when up against faster forwards.
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Jonny Stewart – The skipper has been an incredible servant to the Rose. Signed in 2014, Jonny’s been integral as the club have progressed through the footballing pyramid. Our 5 a-side ball winner and leader.
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Callum Connolly – I have to put Cal in here. A player that’ll bring energy to the side, getting up and down the pitch, helping defend and will also get forward and chip in with his fair share of goals.
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Keiran McGachie – The focal point up front, the big man will ensure the opposition know they’re in a game. ‘Keys’ is a local lad who is living the dream playing for his hometown club and the fans love him. With over 100 goals for the Rose, McGachie was always going to be the final name on the team sheet.
What is your all-time favourite match?
I have to say the second leg of the League 2 promotion play-off at Cowdenbeath’s Central Park. Rose led 3-0 after the first game and a Neil Martyniuk penalty made it 4-0 on aggregate to get the party on the terraces in full swing.
I was standing next to striker Keiran McGachie, who was suspended that day, and the big man led a chorus of ‘Rosey Posey Champions’.
The celebrations continued long into the night in Bonnyrigg with all the players and staff joining fans in the Anvil bar. A few even got up to perform a bit of karaoke - the gaffer is some chanter, that’s all I’ll say.
Memories that’ll last a lifetime.
What makes your club special to YOU?
When I decided to go along to Bonnyrigg’s first-ever game in the Lowland League, little did I know that I’d become so invested in the club.
When you first set foot in New Dundas Park, you’re instantly greeted by friendly faces. From the folk manning the gates to the guys in the snack bar - everyone working at the club are volunteers who give up their time for their love of the club.
The chairman, Charlie Kirkwood, and club treasurer Brendan Parkinson are often seen around the ground speaking to supporters and amazingly know everyone by their first names. You’re made to feel a part of the club, part of the family.
When you talk about ‘community clubs’, Bonnyrigg are the epitome of that. From creating an environment for local kids to come and enjoy football to mental health drop-in centres and raising funds for a local foodbank, there’s so much going on in the local area.
The club are also great at creating a pathway for young, aspiring media students to give them experience to forge a career doing what they love.
I’m proud to support Bonnyrigg Rose.
You can follow Bonnyrigg Rose’s progress every week in our SPFL Lower League Round Up - watch the latest edition now!
