Steeves enjoys a promotion party
Season of success with the mighty Mo
Steeves celebrates the League Two title win at Links Park with delighted team-mates If the past couple of weeks have taught Andrew Steeves anything about football it is to never give up on your dream.
The Scone-based defender is still in celebratory mode after playing a pivotal part in Montrose’s promotion to League One.
Turn back the clock four years and Steeves was released by his local club St Johnstone. It was a bitter pill to swallow.
But he has refused to let the setback hinder his progress in the game as he targets a further climb up the footballing ladder.
Steeves, now 23, said: “I always knew, without sounding big-headed, that I had confidence in myself to get some level of success in football.
“My first year out of St Johnstone was a difficult one but I have enjoyed the last couple of years so much.
“Hopefully this is a sign of things to come and this isn’t just one promotion. I want to kick on from here.
“I certainly do owe St Johnstone a lot because they were good to me.
“One of the first people I heard from after the game was Alistair Stevenson. I think they are delighted for me too.
“This is the time of year when, unfortunately, there are decisions getting made on young players.
“Cammy Thomson has been told he can leave St Johnstone and that was a similar situation to mine.
“I got the chance to speak to him and hopefully he will kick on and have a fantastic career. I have no doubt he will do.
“Being able to put my knowledge on to them is a real bonus for me and hopefully it is for them as well.
Steeves has faced Premiership stars with Montrose
“Life isn’t over after being released or leaving a football team.”
The scenes of jubilation which spilled on to the Links Park surface in the titleclinching game will remain with Steeves for the rest of his life.
His weekend was made all the sweeter after being named in League Two’s team of the year for season 2017/18.
“It’s a week on and I still haven’t really calmed down from the day,” he said. “Every time I see someone in the street they are asking how it all was.
“The season was unbelievable. When the manager Stewart Petrie came in he said his aim was to get us out of the league.
“But to win the league within 18 months of taking over even outdid our own expectations.
“With the points total amassed and the group of players that we have, it really was a special year for us.
“As much as the celebrations are special for the player, they were for the fans and the people who have worked at the club for so many years.
“Days like that have been too few and far between. The post-game celebrations were absolutely crazy.
“For me to be named in that team of the year really was the icing on the cake on an unbelievable season.
“It was secondary to winning the league but, because it was voted on by fellow professionals, it does give you a real sense of pride. They are the ones who play against you so to get that honour is a privilege. There are some extra-special players in the league.
“A shout out has to go to Sean Dillon who, for me, was comfortably the best player in the league. He has brought me on leaps and bounds.
“The best thing about Sean is that it’s not just the back four that benefits off him.
“Every single person in the team this year will have become a better player for something Sean has helped with.”
Steeves knows the celebrations won’t last forever and he is glad. Already a focus is in place to impress further next season.
He wants to continue to repay the loyal supporters of the club who have travelled up and down the country with pride.
“The fans have been to Elgin and then all the way down to Annan, following the club in great numbers,” Steeves said.
“To take 700 to Stenhousemuir and then finish off with 3000 at the home game was incredible.
“And having the player of the year awards that evening was brilliant. It brought family, girlfriends, wives and fans all together.
“Now that the celebrations are calming down, we will be looking to next year.
“There are going to be three derbies with the Angus teams next season and with Raith Rovers staying down it really is an exciting time for us and we honestly can’t wait to get going with it.” Andrew Steeves was all smiles with girlfriend Gina after helping Montrose to the title