Gareth Rodger to take over as Gala Fairydean Rovers captain after Danny Galbraith’s exit

Gala Fairydean Rovers' Gareth Rodgers gets ahead of Kelty Hearts' Nathan Austin in November as Danny Galbraith looks on (Photo: Bill McBurnie)

Defender Gareth Rodger will be taking over the former Manchester United reserve’s armband for next season.

Rodger has been at the Galashiels club since January of last year after stints at St Johnstone, Forfar Athletic, Brechin City, Edinburgh City and Stirling Albion.

The 27-year-old says he’s looking forward to taking on that new role, adding: “First of all, I’d like to wish Danny Galbraith all the best for his next move on behalf of the lads and personally thank him for making me welcome since I joined Gala Fairydean Rovers.

Gareth Rodger on the ball for Gala Fairydean Rovers against Wigtown and Bladnoch last year (Photo: Bill McBurnie)

“It's a huge privilege to be given the opportunity to captain the club moving forward.

“It goes without saying how many good people are involved at the club who have put in countless hours of voluntary work, especially over the last year during Covid. I will do my best to help the team get results on the pitch to do them proud and ultimately try to help continue the progress the gaffer and the boys have made in the last couple of seasons.

“We hope to see everyone again soon at Netherdale.”

Team manager Neil Hastings said: “Gareth is someone I have known for a number of years.

“I know how professional and dedicated he is, and since joining the club, he has been excellent both on and off the park.

“He is a real leader, someone who will drive home the standards we demand at the club, and he is also very well respected within the group.

“I'm delighted that he has accepted the role."

Rovers chairman Ryan Cass added: “Since Gareth has arrived, he has been outstanding.

“He, like us, believes in playing football the right way and bought into our philosophy from day one.

“Knowing Gareth, he'll relish the captaincy role and the players will support him in every way."