Kempsell’s now part of the club
Bronze medalist joins BofA outfit
Scotland squash star Dougie Kempsell believes joining Bridge of Allan Sports Club as the Minewood outfit’s new number one can help him return to the national team ahead of next year’s European championships.
The Minewood side have pulled of a coup by persuading the European Championship bronze medallist to join them after Kempsell snubbed interest from at least one of the major Edinburgh clubs to sign on the dotted line with Bridge of Allan.
The 25–year old took a year out after becoming a father but after agreeing to spearhead Allanwater Brewhouse sponsored Bridge of Allan’s assault on the East of Scotland division one title, Kempsell says a championship charge would be the ideal launch–pad for his hopes of reclaiming his Scotland slot.
Dougie said: “First of all I’m delighted to sign up with Bridge of Allan which is a club I’ve enjoyed some great times at like winning the Central Scotland title last year.
“But what really excites me is that this is a fresh challenge and I’m looking forward to spearheading our title challenge and also to facing off against some of the big guns I need to be beating if I want to force my way back into the Scotland team.
“So really these have got to be my two targets this season because I have no doubt that Bridge of Allan have the quality and depth to challenge.”
Former Loughborough University student Fergus Richards, who has joined Scottish Squash elite player programme, is also excited about the season ahead.
He said: “The opportunity to play number one for the second team in division one and get the type of matches I will is exactly what I need if I want to establish myself inside the top eight rankings.”
He added: “Obviously I will be matched up against Dougie on two separate occasions when the seconds play the firsts and I’m sure these will be great nights at the club and I can’t wait to get stuck in.”
Club president Walter McAllister has no doubt that exciting times lie ahead, saying “We’re delighted to welcome two players of the quality of Dougie and Fergus to Minewood and a big part of that happening has been our new sponsorship deal with The Allanwater Brewhouse.
“Dougie has been a stalwart of the Scotland team over the last few years and of course has a bronze medal from the European championships last time round in his locker.
“He is a fiery all–action player and I’m sure his matches will provide us with some really adrenaline charged squash.
“With regard to Fergus he now has a great platform with our second team to make a name for himself against the top domestic performers.
Both players are not just quality squash players but nice guys and exactly the sort we want performing in Bridge of Allan shirts.
“With the new season just a fortnight away there is a real buzz at the club and we can’t wait to the big off.”
I’m sure these will be great nights at the club ...