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Glentanar Juniors FC |
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Formed 1978 - Joined Junior Ranks 1998/99 |
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Gary Forbes (Forbesy, Boss Man Forbes, or Gap) - The most successful manager in the club's history. Five cup finals in five years, winning two, a 3rd place and a 2nd place in the Super League saw the club become one of the most improved clubs in Junior Football in Scotland, and all this was achieved without the aid of the large transfer funds that most of his main rivals enjoyed. Having won it all at amateur level with Hilton Amateurs he joined Glentanar and made them a feared side not only in this part of the country, but also very well respected throughout the junior game in Scotland. Tactically very astute and earned huge respect from his players, opponents, and fellow managers. Now a highly respected scout for Celtic Football Club.
Alan Cheyne (Cheyner) - Assistant Manager to Gary Forbes over the past 4/5 seasons and an able, trustworthy, and reliable number two. Alan had 3 years at under 18's with Glentanar that saw a lot of young talent progress into the Junior set up, Highland League, and Scottish League. The best of the ex under 18's that played under Alan and turned out for the juniors were Rob Le Poidevin, Neil Raby, Kris Niddrie, Barry Somers, Graham Lonie, Chris Mingo, and Gavin Connolly. A good knowledge of the game and football in general and treating his players professionally saw him earn a lot of respect from his players. Left Glentanar to take up the post of Community Coach with Celtic Football Club, but left there in August 2007 to join Aberdeen Football Club's Youth Academy as a Youth Development Coach with the Under 13's/14's.
Graeme Black (Blacker) - Physio and coach for the club for many years. A true Glentanar legend in every sense and without doubt the heartbeat of the club during his time there. Nothing was too much bother for Blacker and he was known as the club's answer to Teddy Scott. Simply irreplaceable and a smashing bloke who was a huge help to Gary Forbes and Alan Cheyne in recent times. Extremely loyal and dependable and a huge miss to the club. A truly top class bloke.
Gary Loch (Locher or Ice Man) - Brought to the club as a coach by Gary Forbes. Very impressive playing CV and a top quality coach who got the best out of a young and willing to learn squad. Sorely missed when he left and went to join Sunnybank Juniors. Left Sunnybank and went to Rattrays X1 for a short while before joining up with ex Glens gaffer Gary Forbes who is now Manager at Ellon United.
Bob Summers (Bob or Bobby Davro) - Joined the club as a coach midway through season 2004/05, replacing Gary Loch. A highly experienced football person who's Managerial CV includes guiding Cove Rangers as Manager to the Highland League title. Took over as Glentanar Manager in August 2005 but could only guide the club to 9th place in the league. Left the club in May 2006 due to other committments.
Jerry O'Driscoll (Jer, Major Danger, or The Great Glen) - A striker who helped raise the profile of this young and ambitious Junior Club. Has an impressive CV that saw him play at the top with Dundee and gain under-21 international recognition with the Republic Of Ireland (3 caps). Good goal scoring ratio whilst at the club, helped greatly by claiming anything where there was an element of doubt. One of the best players with his back to goal for his ability to keep possession, bring others into the game and take pressure off his defence. Won a Highland League Championship medal with Huntly in season 2004/05. Left Huntly in summer 2006 to joing Highland League rivals Keith where he will meet up with other ex Glens Kris Niddrie, Graham Lonie, Jamie McAllister. A top bloke. Now Asst Manager @ Cove Rangers FC
Kris Niddrie (Nidz or Niddrie) - A product of the Glentanar under 18’s. A no nonsense central defender who also helped raise the profile of this young and ambitious Junior Club. Came back from Montrose in the Scottish League to get back his appetite and enjoyment for the game. Terrific in the air and the best header of a ball I’ve seen. Has good pace for such a tall centre back, wholehearted and committed player who is good in the tackle, and tackles like his life depends on it. Cheyner’s favourite from the under 18 era at Glentanar. Currently playing for Keith in the Highland League. Recently won 2 caps for Scotland at semi professional level and he is delighted to have been able to represent his country.
Graham Lonie (Lonie or The Wand) - Another product of the Glentanar under 18’s. A very gifted left back / left wing back who is equally comfortable in central defence or midfield, supporting the view that great players can play anywhere. During his time with the under 18’s his nickname was "The Hammer", after Jorg Albertz, because of the ferocity of his shooting, but with him developing greatly and maturing with the Juniors his all round cultured game saw his nickname progress to "The Wand". Enormously talented. Currently playing for Keith in the Highland League.
Jamie McAllister ("J" or Jimmer) - Fantastic athletic young midfield player who has a great future at the club. A modern day player with great stamina who gets from "box to box". Good goal scoring ratio from midfield. Strong possibility that he will be leaving Glentanar in summer 2006 with a number of Highland League clubs on his trail with Keith being the favourites where he will meet up with other ex Glens Kris Niddrie, Graham Lonie, and Jerry O'Driscoll. Left Keith in February 2007 to join Sunnybank Juniors. Stevie Campbell (Ollie or Scunner) - The world record holder for long throws and was one of the best footballers and passers of the ball that Glentanar had, and one of their longest serving players. Stevie actually signed and played for Aston Villa in his younger days. Stevie is a great guy and life was never dull with him around. A real character when at the club but a top quality player too emphasising the fact that great players can play anywhere (midfield, wing back, sweeper, striker, and yes goalie too - Total Football or what !). Left Glentanar in the summer of 2006, and took a wee break from footie before signing for Sunnybank Juniors in November 2006.
Andy Campbell (C) - The club captain during his time with the Glens and a real rock. Had the utmost respect of everyone at the club and was the obvious choice as captain as he commands such respect from the players. Has played at a far higher level, and could still comfortably do a job there. Named Junior Footballer Of The Year for the North Region in 2004/05, an honour for both him and the club and an honour richly deserved. Left Glentanar in summer 2006 to join treble league winners Culter, a great capture for the current champions.
Neil Raby (Nelly) - Great header of the ball and his aggression too is a huge asset. Is maturing all the time and is a well established and highly respected central defender and is now one of the top central defenders in Junior Football in the North Region. One of five players to leave Glentanar in summer 2006 to join Sunnybank Juniors (Brian Robb, Stevie Bartlet, Ant Henry, Neil Raby, & Lee "Sausage" McGregor). Anthony Henry (Ant or Lung) - Acquired from the Highland League and a strong and top quality left back who is equally at ease playing in central defence. A great signing for Glentanar and his experience was invaluable to younger players at the club. Had a great season in 2005/06 when his class shone through. One of five players to leave Glentanar in summer 2006 to join Sunnybank Juniors (Brian Robb, Stevie Bartlet, Ant Henry, Neil Raby, & Lee "Sausage" McGregor). . Brian Robb (Brizee) - Fast pacy right-winger who continues to catch the eye. Brian has great pace and sometimes lacks self belief as he is highly rated by both those at Glentanar and opposition managers. The defensive side of Brian's game has improved considerably too and as stated earlier his pace is a real threat to the opposition. A smashing fella too. One of five players to leave Glentanar in summer 2006 to join Sunnybank Juniors (Brian Robb, Stevie Bartlet, Ant Henry, Neil Raby, & Lee "Sausage" McGregor).
Stevie Bartlet (Sicknote ot Stevie B) - Excellent striker signed from Buckie Thistle who close control and ball skills are a joy to behold. An excellent finisher too. One of five players to leave Glentanar in summer 2006 to join Sunnybank Juniors (Brian Robb, Stevie Bartlet, Ant Henry, Neil Raby, & Lee "Sausage" McGregor).
Lee McGregor (Sausage, Granite Brother, or Screech) - The real character of any dressing room. So funny and so genuine with it and a real nice lad too. Best sweeper we had and reads the game so very well. His no nonsense defending made him a top player at the club, and his reading of the game was so good that he never found himself having to make a sliding tackle or “go to ground” to win a tackle or challenge. Sunnybank Juniors have lured him out of retirement where he will join Brian Robb, Stevie Bartlet, Ant Henry, & Neil Raby.
Carson Riches (Carss) - The best goalkeeper in the league. This title is deserved given how hard he works at his game and studies the art of goalkeeping. Great shot stopper with great technique, excellent handing, and very sharp reflexes. Put in a transfer request at end of 2005. Left Glentanar in summer 2006 to join junior rivals Ellon United.
Colin Pirie (Col or Pirie) - A hard working centre forward whose game has came "on a ton" having left Wilsons X1 for Glentanar. Is a strong physical battling presence and a real handful for defenders. Finished the club's top goalscorer in season 2004/05. Transferred to Ellon United in January 2006.
Colin Shirreffs (
Vincent Mars (Vinny or Llama Chops) - Fast pacy left-winger who caught the eye at Glentanar. Signed from Peterhead and a real match winner on his day. Great talent, great pace, and his ability to deliver quality crosses into the danger area are his strengths. Scores his fair share of goals too. Left Glentanar in summer 2006 to and looked set to join Sunnybank Juniors but at present is working offshore, a great talent available for someone if he can be accomodated on this basis, and be convinced to play again. Martin Ross (Rosser) - Most consistent player at the club and an unsung hero. Got 8 out of 10 every week, wherever he played, right back, left back, sweeper, left wing back. Sets a great example to youngsters coming into the club, and was a treat to work with, so versatile and so under-rated. Greatly appreciated by fellow players though. Left Glentanar in summer 2006 and is now a coach to ex Glens gaffer Gary Forbes who is now Manager at Ellon United.
Barry Somers (Baz) - Another product of the Glentanar under 18’s. An extremely fit guy who was is a real goalscoring threat from the middle of the park. Equally comfortable in attack, defence, and even in goal, but best in central midfield. Left the Glens to win medals with Sunnybank Juniors which didn't work out as he'd hoped and joined Inverurie Locos in January 2006. Certainly good enough for the Highland League if his attitdue and application is correct. Retuned to Sunnybank Juniors in November 2006 due to work committments, only to go back to thw Highland League wit Keith in February 2007. Mike McNab (McNab or Nabby) - A very strong athletic player. Is great to have in your midfield and also equally as comfortable at the back. Terrific fitness levels and his aggressive ball winnings skills often overshadow his ability on the ball. Now refereeing, poacher turned gamekeeper or what !!
Paul Masson (Bates or Batesy) - One of Gary Forbes first major signings. An extremely talented player with two great feet and great vision, who can open the tightest of defences. An extremely loyal and likeable lad we were sorry to see him leave. So laid back he was almost horizontal. Couldn't tackle a fish supper though, but did enjoy his chips and curry sauce before training. Great training attendance record by the way. Currently with Sunnybank Amateurs in amateur football. Graham Ward (Big G) - Big G had a great first season with the club and won 2 Juniors medals during his relatively short spell with the Glens. Is tall, good in the air, and quick for such a big fellow. After finding it hard to hold down a permanent first team spot he was sold back to his hometown team Fraserburgh United.
John Law (Smeagle or Shaun Long) - John had his second stint back at the club in season 2004/05 having done well back at Sunnybank Amateurs and was right to give himself this opportunity. Excellent pace and good at holding up the ball. After just one season back at Glentanar John again left this time for Sunnybank Juniors. Allegedly unhappy at lack of first team opportunities at Sunnybank Juniors. Alan Cooper (Coop) - Proven goalscorer recruited from Cruden Bay. A talented striker who has good skills and caused us many a problem in the past. Left after one season to pursue an accounting career in Australia. A smashing lad who deserves to succeed whatever he does.
Craig McHattie (Bruno) - Versatile young defender signed from Higland League outfit Cove Rangers in January 2005. Big strong powerful player who can play in central midfield if required. Left Glentanar in January 2006 having become disillusioned and signed for Parkvale.
Kevin Rennie (Kev or I.Q. Of Nae Many Rennie) - Strong combative midfielder who enjoys the physical aspect of the game. Signed from Peterhead Kevin is also very good on the ball. Currently on the Transfer List and looking to get back to the Amateur ranks. Banchory St Ternan are apparently very keen too.
Gavin Connolly (Guvnor or Gav) - Gav is a great footballer. Often described as "neat and tidy" his passing is excellent and he seldom gives the ball away or gets caught in possession. Often taken for granted you can forget just how good he is and is another unsung hero in the squad. A player's player, and appreciated by all his colleagues. Good tackler too. Went back to Newtonhill Amateurs for a while and is now doing well at Parkvale Juniors.
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