It’s a sad day around McKenna Park with the news that Club Captain Graeme Crawford has taken the decision to leave the club after 11 years, having joined from the University of Stirling back in 2014 and has made over 200 appearances in that time. He was handed the captaincy by Danny Taylor and it’s a role he excelled in the past 3 years. Graeme had also a couple of short stints as interim manager in the past season after the departues of both Danny and Johnny Fallon.
Club Secretary Martin McKenna paid his own tribute to the departing captain. “Graeme has been a great servant to the club and we are gutted that he is leaving. I’ve spoken to him about possible future roles at the club as not only is he a good player he’s a great guy to have around the place and someone we wouldn’t like to leave the club completely”. “He wants to spend time with his wife Claire and their young son Cam which I totally understand but hopefully he will be back at McKenna in some capacity in the future” Speaking on his length of service Martin continued “In this day and age it’s rare that a player is with a club for as long as G has been, and its only right that we recognise that. We were looking to put something in place for this season but there have been some issues so we have decided to move his testimonial year to this season coming, More details will be shared once we have them but we are putting together a sub committee with his sister Rachael involved as well”.
Speaking to Graeme he was sad to be leaving the club but feels the time is right
“I’m sad to be leaving the Ants as I’ve felt at home here for so long and there is so many great, dedicated people at the club, but it’s the right time for me and I think for the team too with a bit of turnover expected over the summer and a fresh start for everyone in a new division – and I hope we can bounce back at the first time of asking next year.
“I didn’t think when I joined that I’d be at the Ants for so long, let alone go on to captain and (briefly) manage the club, but it was a privilege to do so and I know that I always gave my all.
“When I first joined it was ‘proper junior football’ and I learned quickly what was required to survive at this level. Back then if you didn’t get booked then you weren’t trying hard enough! It’s not quite the same these days (the tackling definitely isn’t) but I’ve always tried to pass on to the younger boys that talent will only take you so far and to recognise how lucky they are to play for the Ants.
“Thanks to all my teammates, coaches and managers over the years and apologies for arguing with you, it was all for the good of the Ants!
“It’s easy to forget when you’re just turning up to train and play just how much work goes on behind the scenes to run a club, so I want to thank the committee and volunteers for giving me the opportunity to play at this level for so long.
“I’m looking forward to the break, making more time for Claire and Cam, but I’d love to come back to the Ants one day. Who knows what role that might be but whatever happens…
“Once an Ant, always an Ant 🐜”
Good luck in the future G, Whatever you do we know you’ll smash it.
