The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)

Never say never on return to action

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Rab Douglas hasn’t played a game of football since Dick Campbell was sacked at Forfar and he followed the veteran manager out of the Station Park door.

The Loons could turn out to be the last of his nine profession­al clubs but Douglas is reluctant to use the R word just yet.

“I’m not saying I’m retired,” the 44-year-old said. “But it’s looking more and more like it.

“I’ve had a good innings and not had too many injuries as well.

“My first game was for the old Meadowbank when we got leathered 5-1 at Queen of the South in midweek!

“Never say never. If Dick picked up the phone for an emergency or something like that, it might get me back, because he’s a great football man.

“Big Jim Leishman always used to say to me ‘football is about memories’. I think I’m at over 650 appearance­s and I just loved playing.

“Dick was great with me and I really enjoyed my time at Forfar. Dick’s a proper man manager. I think the Forfar board would maybe have to hold their hands up and say they got it wrong by sacking him. That’s football though.

“I felt I had to go because I was there as a player/coach under Dick. The Arbroath v Forfar game will be a tasty one this season!

“I had a session with Arbroath the other night and it was my first one since Christmas. I really enjoyed it. I was working with Robbie Mutch, a young keeper down from Aberdeen who looks good, and a young amateur boy.

“I might do some more just to keep ticking over.”

He added: “I did all my badges in Northern Ireland but I think I need to update them. I’m looking into that because I enjoy coaching.

“Having played through the leagues and played in cup finals and internatio­nal football, I’ve got plenty of experience. If I can pass that on to young keepers that would be great.

“We’re blessed in Scotland just now for goalkeeper­s.

“I keep in touch with Marshy (David Marshall). He’s been at Cardiff for a few years and has kept the Scotland jersey for a while. And there’s Craig Gordon and Allan McGregor who are both top keepers. There are younger ones too coming through too.

“Maybe we could put the sub goalie at centre-half for Scotland!”

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