MESSAGES of support have been pouring in for Gala Fairydean Rovers ahead of the club’s first major cup-final since the amalgamation in 2013.
And one of the first to get in touch was Liverpool Hibs and Scotland legend Peter Cormack who managed Gala Fairydean for a spell in the 1980.
Peter knows what it takes to win silverware having picked up two league titles, an FA Cup and a UEFA cup during his time at Anfield. He told us: “Please pass on my good wishes to everyone at Gala Fairydean Rovers and wish them all the best in the Cup Final.”
Former Hearts’ boss Jim Jeffries actually won the trophy with Gala Fairydean in 1988 beating Whitehill Welfare in the final at Easter Road. Jim said: “. That cup brings back many happy memories for me. Winning that cup qualified us to play in the City Cup which involved league teams such as Berwick Rangers and Meadowbank and we won that as well.
“But it would be great for the town of Gala if the team can win it again against Linlithgow Rose so I’d like to say good luck to Gala Fairydean Rovers on Sunday.”
Next up was another Hibs’ legend, Gordon Rae who also managed Fairydean. As a player Gordon made 433 appearances for Hibs including three Scottish Cup finals and still plays for the GFR Walking Football team every week.
He said: “I wish all the best to Gala Fairydean Rovers and hope they bring the cup back to Gala on Sunday. It’s been a long time coming and it would be a great thing for the town. I think the last time they won the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup was in my last season although I had left the club before that final.
“I was at the Bonnyrigg Rose game, and they were superb so they will need to take that form into the final. I should confess through that I have a foot in both camps as I enjoyed a lot of success when I managed Linlithgow Rose.”
Avid fan and new Scottish Borders Council leader Euan Jardine said: “My sporting highlight of the year was when Gala Fairydean Rovers beat Bonnyrigg Rose 5-1 in the EOS cup a couple of months ago. It was a magical night which felt like a dream.
“Their performances in the cup have brought a lot of pride to the town, and the final will be a special occasion for the club's loyal supporters. Volunteers run the club, and for them, this is a reward for their hard work. I am 100% behind the club's quest to lift the EOS Qualifying Cup.”
Braw Lad John Turnbull added: “Good luck to Gala Fairydean Rovers in the cup final and hopefully they can bring silverware back to Gala.
Current Gala management team Martin Scott and Stevie Craig both played in the Scottish Cup final with Ross County who were then managed by Morcombe boss Derek Adams who told us: “I would like to wish my former teammates, players and Ross County Football Club legends all the best in their first final.
“They have a tough encounter against Linlithgow Rose but they have been well used to that over the years.”
Neil Hastings who left Netherdale for the Tony Macaroni Arena in the Scottish Premiership said: “First of all what an incredible achievement from the group of players and staff at the club. To get to a final at any level of senior football is extremely difficult and to be one of the smaller clubs with limited finances makes this achievement even greater.
“I want to wish every player and member of staff all the very best for Sunday’s game. They deserve everything they get as they are aa fantastic group of guys but more importantly people.
“Are they capable of winning the cup? Of course they are. Will it be a difficult game? Yes. Are Linlithgow a very good side? Extremely good side.
“But I personally hope to see the cup making its way down the A7 to Galashiels after the game.
I hope as many people as possible can make it along to Penicuik to cheer them on as they deserve it.”
Raith Rovers striker Jamie Gullan who played on-loan for Gala as a Hibernian player said: “Good luck to everyone at Gala Fairydean Rovers in the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup final on Sunday.”
Gala Fairydean Rovers are running a free supporters bus to Penicuik this Sunday. Admission prices to the final are £10 adults and £5 concessions.
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