A. Growing up I was a big Hearts supporter, followed them home and away and through thick and thin! Pat Jennings, the ex Spurs, Arsenal and Northern Ireland goalkeeper inspired me to be a goalkeeper

Q. What was the best save you made whilst playing for Bo’ness, and, the most important?

A. Can’t really remember one particular save but made a series of saves in the 1983 Junior Cup semi at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock against Auchinleck. We were under the cosh right from the start so I was called into action on a few occasions. One in particular from Denis Gray stands out for me where he shot from point blank range, I was diving the wrong way but managed to react with my foot, sending it clear.

Q. Who was the hardest player you played against?

A. As a juvenile Brian McNaughton who played for Winchburgh Albion always managed to score against me, then he moved to Broxburn Athletic at the same time as I joined Bo’ness. I was glad when he moved on to Hearts!

Q. You spent 10 years at the Club? Joining the Testimonial Club, we have had 3 players join the Testimonial Club over the last few years, you think you guys liked Bo’ness United as a Club, is this also testament to us too??

A. I loved playing for the club. I was also lucky that the supporters took to me from day one. They were fickle back then! The various committees also made me very welcome. People like, Willie Mitchell, Geordie Simpson, Nick Simpson, Andrew Mcfarlane and Allen Bryce really looked out for me as a young player coming through. Always on hand with some useful advice. Before I could drive, Andrew would pick me up from Bo’ness bus station on training nights, take me to his home where his wife Sadie would have a snack ready for me or Allen and Doreen Bryce would come up to Livingston to pick me up for games. Later on, guys like Dougie Snedden and David Lapsley would always lend an ear if I needed someone to talk to.

Q. As you know you are probably considered one of the Bo’ness Legends from the Scottish Cup winning team of 1984, a memory that a lot of people still cling too and video clips still doing the rounds on social media to this day, what is your memory of the day?

A. I remember sitting in the dressing room at Ibrox taking in the atmosphere. Allen Bryce and I walked out on to the pitch to check the goalmouths etc. as we always did throughout the Scottish Cup run (it became a bit of a superstition). When we ran out onto the pitch I can remember the noise from the cheers of the Bo’ness support. They really spurred us on. When the referee blew for the final whistle after Lex had scored those two goals it was an unbelievable feeling!

Q. Would you say that winning the Scottish Cup was a career highlight, or is there something else you reckon would make the cut?

A. Getting to the final in ’83 was a highlight but going back again to win the following year certainly topped that.

Q. In a few interviews I have completed there has been the consistent theme that Lenny Reid was a brilliant manager however must have been tough being player/manager, you played under Lenny Reid, what was your thoughts on him?

A. Lenny was a brilliant manager, probably ahead of his time as his training was much different to what I’d been used to. There was very little running as everything seemed to be disguised by using the ball. He also introduced aerobics into our warm ups. Can you imagine 15-16 hairy ersed men dancing in a corner of Newtown Park to Donna Summer!

Q. Do you have any regrets from your time as a player?

A. Although we got close a couple of times the only regret I have as a player was not being able to win a league title.

Q. You may have seen the revamp at Newtown Park, and now playing in the Lowland League, what do you make of these developments?

A. I remember thinking at the time, why would you want to dig up one of the best pitches in the country but when I see the difference it has made to the town, the way it seems to have brought the senior, junior and community clubs together under the one roof it has been a great move. Well done to everyone involved.

Q. You have been likened to George Clooney a few times………some compliment…..thoughts…….?

A. The Fitba Nomad has a lot to answer to! It was a bit of fun although it has caused a few good natured comments.

Q. Lastly, the Club are running a poll on our Facebook page to make the top Bo’ness United Starting XI, who would make your squad…?

A. Obviously, both Scottish Cup squads feature highly in my thoughts but I’ve gone for players that I have enjoyed watching during and since my time as a player with the club.

1. Neil Binnie
2. Andy Dunlevie
3. Tom Breen
4. Gary McLennan
5. Andy McLean
6. Jimmy Fisher
7. Lex Shields
8. Pat Carroll
9. Paul Mckinlay
10. Jimmy Burns
11. George O’Boyle
Subs. John Robertson, George Allison, Will Snowdon, Kevin Donnelly and John Sludden
Manager, Lenny Reid

Thank you Gavin Kirkwood for your time and congratulations on getting the number 1 spot!