Presentation to Eddie and Arty Gray

The voluntary services over a seven-year period of Eddie and Arty Gray were recognised in a short pre-match presentation by Chairman Ross Graham at the Raith Rovers fixture.

Eddie and Arty joined the backroom staff at Station Park at the commencement of the 2011/12 season in both a coaching and organisational role with the Under 19 squad participating in the SFL under 19 league.

They continued in their roles when under the SPFL banner, the move was made to an Under 20 Development League set up right up to the end of last season.

As has been well documented in a joint SFA/SPFL initiative at that juncture, the Development Leagues were disbanded to be replaced by a return to a Reserve League set up.

More importantly and sadly as far as the ‘Loons’ were concerned, there was insufficient interest from clubs in the North and East of the country to form a regionalised second-tier league at this level and the only opportunity afforded the club was the chance to play in a national midweek set up.   This was reluctantly deemed impossible logistically by the Station Park Directors.

It was however always their intention to honour Eddie and Arty’s contribution to the club, but the presentation had to be delayed as sadly Arty had to spend some considerable time in the hospital and at home recuperating from illness.

It is testament to Eddie and Arty’s abilities and extra special enthusiasm for the task in hand that during their time involved with the club, the Under 19’s reached the final of the SFL Under 19 League Cup losing 4-2 to Hamilton Accies at Station Park in late May of 2013  before a crowd of nearly 600.   This was also the last ever game played under the banner of the Scottish Football League which was merged with the SPL to form the SPFL only ten days later so Eddie and Arty and the young ‘Loons’ were part of history indeed.

Two years later both were also thrilled when the Development side lifted the Development League East title the trophy and medals being presented to the players and staff by Station Park legends Archie Knox and Stewart Kennedy.

Both Eddie and Arty will also take pride from the fact that three of Jim Weir’s current first team pool, Matty Aitken, Michael Kennedy and Murray MacKintosh came through the ranks.

The presentation apart both Eddie and Arty know there will always be a welcome for them at Station Park.