Jerry eyeing a return to the SFL with Cove
O’Driscoll eyeing Third Division
Published:
COVE Rangers have left nothing to chance in their bid to join the Scottish Football League.
Striker Jerry O’Driscoll is convinced the Allan Park side have produced the strongest application possible.
Tomorrow is D-day for the Highland League champions, as the 29 SFL member clubs decide which club will realise their senior football dream.
But whatever the outcome, Jerry insists there will be no regrets.
He said: “There is no way anyone at Cove will be saying ‘what if?’ after the announcement at Hampden
“Cove have worked extremely hard to produce the best possible application for the SFL.
“There is nothing more they can do, as they’ve produced a very strong argument.
“Hopefully it will be enough to convince the SFL to admit Cove because it would be a tremendous achievement for the club.”
The Allan Park side will go head-to-head with Spartans, Edinburgh City, Annan Athletic and Preston Athletic for the right to play in the Third Division.
And for the 30-year-old, the bidding war will hold extra significance, as he will be up against an old school friend.
“I was in the same class at Aberdeen Grammar School as Spartans captain Stewart Fowlie,” said Jerry.
“We play against one another in an annual school football team reunion, so we will each be looking to get the upper-hand tomorrow.”
Cove’s bid hinges on a £5million community stadium at Calder Park.
With seating for 1,300 fans, it is has received clearance from the Scottish Government.
And Jerry would love another crack at senior football after spells with Dundee and Montrose.
He said: “It would be fantastic to play in the Third Division, especially with the ambitious plans for the ground.
“I would never be rash enough to suggest that Cove would be up at the top of the league right away.
“We would need a few years to bed in, but Cove would definitely hold their own at that level.”
Jerry will be instrumental in securing a bright future for Cove after accepting the role of U21 coach.
“There is not a lot of money kicking about at this level of the game, so you have to bring through young players,” he said.
“I am hoping to get a structure in place where lots of kids in Aberdeen want to come and play for Cove. Ideally that will be in the Third Division.”
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