The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Kelty boss Courts issues call for big performance
Former junior club one win away from East of Scotland League title
Tam Courts is adamant the sky is the limit for ambitious Kelty Hearts as their bid to claim the East of Scotland League crown at the first time of asking goes down to the wire.
After claiming East Region Super League glory in 2015 and 2017, Kelty made the revolutionary decision to leave the junior ranks behind after 43 years and join the SPFL pyramid system at the start of this season.
And they can seal the title with a victory against their closest challengers, Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale, on Saturday in a blockbuster finale.
With two points separating the sides, it is winner-takes-all on what promises to be an electric afternoon in Kelty.
The side that emerges victorious will face a play-off with South of Scotland League champions Threave Rovers for a place in next season’s Lowland League – just one tier below League 2.
Kelty boss Courts said: “Saturday will require big performances, big characters and ultimately the team that handles the occasion the best will win the game and win the title.
“We’ve been in this position before. We went down to the last day against Bonnyrigg Rose to win our last East Super League title last season and know what is required, so we are relaxed and focused and I have full belief in my players.”
Regardless of the outcome on Saturday, Courts is adamant Kelty’s maiden campaign outwith the junior ranks has been a roaring success, on and off the pitch, allowing them to build towards lofty long-term goals.
Kelty have benefited from £7 million of council and business investment in facilities, including a new artificial playing surface, and a main stand with seating for 350 to be built this summer.
He continued: “We have thoroughly enjoyed this season and it has been a change, on the pitch and behind the scenes, that was necessary.
“In terms of the governance and ensuring we are a sustainable club, a lot of that has been going on in the background and I believe we are on a stronger footing for future campaigns.
“Change can sometimes galvanise a club and, given the hopes of growing that we have, it was the right decision to join the East of Scotland League.
“We are an ambitious club and there is a lot of potential within the pyramid system.
“However, we are humble and know that we need to take everything one step at a time, starting with Saturday.”
He added: “The transition on the pitch has been just as extreme and I think we have evolved our style and adapted well throughout the season to a more technical style, rather than the physicality of the juniors.”