Afternoon in comfort for Andy
Andy Goram with Selkirk's two keepers before the club's game against Hibs on tuesday.
FOR someone that has led as colourful a life as Andy Goram, it is no surprise to hear that on his last visit to Selkirk, the goalkeeper played up front and scored, writes Kenny Paterson.
But this week, the former Rangers, Hibs and Scotland star decided not to pull on the football boots and instead remained in the comfort of Selkirk Football Club’s new committee room.
The stopper was a guest at Tuesday’s friendly clash with a Hibernian under 20 side, and watched the Souters claim a deserved 1-1 draw.
The 48-year-old is a fan of Selkirk and the Borders, having been linked with a move to Yarrow Park in a coaching role nine years ago as he looked to relocate to the region.
Goram told The Wee Paper: “I have been here many times playing cricket for Kelso against Selkirk. I was down a few years ago for a charity football game here when I played up front and actually scored!
“I have strong ties with the Borders. There are a lot of Rangers supporters down here and I have been at a lot of supporters’ functions down here, such as Selkirk, Kelso and Hawick. They are good people here.”
Goram was due to play on Tuesday night, having been invited by Edinburgh businessman and friend Pat Munro, the uncle of Selkirk manager Mike McKinnon.
However, a hand injury ruled out any participation in the match.
He explained: “I played in a charity game at Oldham on Sunday and tore the ligaments in my hand, otherwise I would probably have played for half an hour.
“But I took the Selkirk goalies (John Dodds and Bruce Connelly) for a warm-up which was good.
“I remember Doddsy well. He was at Ayr when I was training with the club for a couple of weeks. I was going to sign at Ayr but they delayed it and then Motherwell stepped in and I signed there.
“The facilities have improved a hell of a lot since the last time I was here, the club have done a great job.”
Though Goram racked up 11 sides in his 23-year career, Rangers remains the club closest to him and he still refers to them as “we”.
Having watched the now Third Division outfit narrowly avoid further embarrassment against Brechin City in the Ramsdens Cup last Sunday, Goram says all Scotland’s smaller clubs, including Selkirk, have received a boost.
Goram has little sympathy for SPL clubs set to lose out financially as a result of their decision to vote Rangers out of the top flight.
He told us: “That is a carrot for all the teams down here, the fact they could face Rangers if they get through the first round of the Scottish Cup..
“It is not going to be easy for Rangers, you saw that against Brechin. It is a new adventure for the club.
“We are fine, we got what we wanted and probably what we deserved. We certainly got what everyone else wanted, which is Rangers in the Third Division.
“Now you look at the SPL and you will see a lot of teams struggling financially.
“Hell mend them, because that is what they wanted.
“They have made their bed so we will see how they can lie in it.”
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Weather for Selkirk
Saturday 25 May 2013
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 6 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South west
