Pitch perfect plan for Cove
Ferguson backing SFL bid
Published:
THESE stunning images of Cove Rangers’ proposed new home are exactly why Sir Alex Ferguson is backing their bid to win a place in the Scottish Football League.
The Aberdeen and Manchester United great is right behind Cove’s application to replace Gretna in the Third Division.
Ferguson has already had a sneak preview of the blueprints for Calder Park.
It is expected to be completed in 2010 and boasts 1,300 seats at the impressive sporting complex.
Cove will find out their fate at a Hampden summit on Thursday along with the other contenders.
Annan Athletic, Preston Athletic, Spartans and Edinburgh City are the other teams trying to replace Gretna.
“I recognised a long time ago when I first came to Aberdeen that Alan McRae had real ambition and drive to improve Cove Rangers,” said Ferguson.
“People with foresight recognise the need to improve and that only comes via development.
“The people in charge at Cove know they need a new ground to replace Allan Park.
“So all credit to Alan, Keith Moorhouse and the rest of the team for getting things moving with a new stadium and the ground certainly looks very impressive.
“The only way Cove can go forward now is to break into the Football League and I think they are capable of doing that.
“Everyone admires people with drive and ambition and Cove are proof of the results hard work can bring.”
Fergie has his own fond memories of Allan Park, home to Cove Rangers since 1948.
The Manchester United great brought a Red Devils team north in 1992 to mark the opening of a new lounge and floodlights.
He added: “It was a great night when we played at Allan Park all those years ago.
“We had guys like Lee Sharpe, Brian McClair and Bryan Robson in the team and it was good to take part in it.
“Since then Cove have continued to make progress throughout the years.
“It’s great to be in a position to help a club like Cove Rangers especially with so many people working hard behind the scenes.”
Honorary Cove president and SFA chief McRae has been with the club for 27 years.
Now he’s hoping for more success with Cove on the back of winning the Highland League last season.
“We missed out when Gretna were elected to the league six years ago,” he said.
“But we are convinced we have a very strong case for entry this time.
“We expect to have the paperwork required for the new stadium to be completed before Thursday’s meeting.
“We have a two year period in which to get the development started.
“We are looking to become a good SFL club. We haven’t got ambitions to become an SPL club and our new stadium wouldn’t be suitable for the top league.
“Our neighbours Aberdeen are also supporting our bid.
“There is room for two senior clubs in the area.”
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF COVE’S PLANS? EMAIL ee.sport@ajl.co.uk
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