The Edinburgh Reporter March 2021

23
Ambassador role for
Hibs cup hero Darren
McGregor a dazzling example to Leith Athletic youngsters
By JOHN HISLOP
EAST OF SCOTLAND club Leith Athletic has
marked its 25th anniversary by naming former
player and Hibs legend Darren McGregor as the
club’s first ambassador.
Darren was one of the club’s originals joining
as an 11-year-old in 1996 and was the captain
of the team that won their first trophy just two
years later.
His performances attracted the attention of
Cowdenbeath, whom he joined in August 2004
and helped to the Scottish Third Division title.
Danny Lennon then secured his signature for St
Mirren where he had to overcome adversity
after suffering two cruciate ligament injuries.
His performances for the Buddies resulted in
a move to Ibrox where after his one season he
was named the club’s Player of the Year and
Manager’s Player of the Year. Despite these
awards, he was surprisingly released and
was immediately snapped up by Hibs whom
he helped to a memorable Scottish Cup win
over his previous employers and the
Championship title.
Gerry Freedman, Leith Athletic founder and
Honorary Life Chairman, said: “Daz was a joy
to coach all the way through his time with the
club. He never gave less than 100% in every
game, a big Leither he was the perfect example
of a player playing for the jersey. He was and
still is a lovely boy.
“His career since he left Leith Athletic is “Roy
of the Rovers” stuff. To overcome serious injury,
not once but twice, to then go on and win the
Scottish Cup with Hibs is truly inspiring and
“Persevere” could be his middle name.
“Daz is the perfect choice as the club’s first
Ambassador and he has been a big part of our
proud 25 year history. I have no doubt that Daz
will embrace the role and help take the club
forward to even greater things.”
Darren added: “I am honoured to be asked to
be the club’s Ambassador. I spent all my youth
football years at Leith Athletic, from 11 years
old until I signed for Cowdenbeath at 19,
learning from some great coaches. The
Perseverance paid off
for Darren McGregor
community feeling of the club then was very
important and it is still the same today. I look
forward to helping the club in any way I can in
the future.”
Leith Athletic Chairman, Leighton Jones,
said: “As part of our 25 year celebrations, Leith
Athletic Football Club are delighted and proud
to announce that Darren McGregor has agreed
to accept the role as our first ever Club
Ambassador.
"At the start of the year, there were a couple of
initiatives I wanted to take forward to mark our
25th anniversary. One of those was to appoint
an ambassador who could act as a role model to
every player within the club, whether a
five-year-old starting out or an East of Scotland
first-team player. In discussing the options with
the club’s committee, there was only one name
that epitomises everything that this community
club is about.”
Ian Jacobs
Martin is back
on the Boyle
MARTIN BOYLE has rediscovered the
form that won him international
recognition with Australia, helping Hibs
to third place after overcoming the
personal struggles that he and family
members have faced since the turn of
the year.
The popular winger turned striker
missed the club’s January defeat at Ibrox
after his father Graeme suffered a stroke,
but since then he has won the SPFL
"Starman” for his two-goal performance
against Aberdeen, bringing his tally to
five goals and four assists in February.
The 27-year-old, who signed a contract
extension in in the summer despite
being linked with a move to Stoke City,
praised manager Jack Ross for allowing
him time away from the club’s training
facility in order to spend time with
family, and his teammates for their
understanding.
He said: “Trying to juggle football with
the off-field issues has obviously been
hard. The club have been brilliant and
my wife and I have my daughter’s
company to help, but at the same time I
know my dad would kill me if I allowed it
to affect my performances on the pitch.
“He has been watching and I always
phone him after the games. He is chuffed
at the moment and I have been able to
see him in these tough times which is
good, but I am happy to be out there
doing my business and glad he is on
the mend.
“Usually the boys look to me to be the
clown in the dressing room so it was
good to see the other side of them for
once. They all helped pick me up and I
now feel I’m back to myself.”
Boyle also won praise from Hibs
legend and fellow right winger Mickey
Weir who said: “The best thing about
Boyle is that he is adaptable. He plays
wide right, he plays through the middle
and personally that’s where I like him.”
John Hislop
Alan Rennie