The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Montrose boss hails impact of veteran
Templeman calls time on career after title success
MONTROSE 1 ELGIN CITY 1
Chris Templeman revealed just minutes after the final whistle that he had decided to call time on his career and hang up his boots for good.
The veteran striker has been one of Montrose’s key men this season and he put in another tireless performance against Elgin that was acknowledged with a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 85th minute.
The 38-year-old, who started out at Dunfermline in 1998, has selflessly put off an operation to help boss Stewart Petrie this season but the man of many clubs insists now is the right time to go out on a high.
Templeman said: “This is my fifth title win and it has to be the best. There is a brilliant bunch of boys here and it is not often you get that.
“It was great to see so many people coming along to watch the game. I’m not sure they will have enjoyed it as I certainly didn’t!
“At half-time the manager just said that we hadn’t played particularly well but we could definitely do better in the second 45. We did and came out of our shell a bit.
“At the end, I thought we probably deserved to win the game but we will take a draw.
“That was the last game of my career so it was a great way to finish.”
Petrie paid tribute to Templeman and everyone else connected with the title triumph.
He said: “I am so proud of the guys. What they have given us from day one until now has been unbelievable.
“It is my first job in management so to work with a group of guys so dedicated makes that job easier.
“That was big Chris Templeman’s last game and it is humbling to work with somebody that good.
“He has been struggling with his calf all week and he could hardly walk in the game but he is unplayable at times.
“I am delighted for him and if this is to be it – and we are trying to convince him otherwise – then what a way to go out.
“I asked him with 15 games to go, ‘Chris, give us 15 games’.
“He’s certainly done that. The last quarter he has led the line every single game and has been outstanding.
“He needs an op which he has put off for a year now so we will see.”
Three years ago, Montrose flirted dangerously with going out of the SPFL altogether in a fraught pyramid play-off with Highland League Brora Rangers and Petrie was determined that doomsday scenario would never happen again.
He said: “We were hoping to push for the top half, maybe a play-off spot.
“That was the plan to consolidate the club and make sure we were never in the position of going out the league again.
“We managed to do that and we have over-exceeded.
“It is not about myself, it is about people who have been at this football club for 30, 40 years, the chairman, the board of directors who have worked tirelessly.
“I am also delighted for boys like Terry Masson and Paul Watson who have been here a long time.
“I am over the moon for the club and the town.”