I’M ON TO A GRINNER AT HOME
ROSS MEECHAN had eight-month-old daughter Mallorie’s smile to cheer him up at the end of Saturdays spent warming Stenhousemuir’s bench.
But the Warriors stalwart says throwing a tantrum was never an option – with the words of gaffer Gary naysmith only serving to keep his head up.
a red card at elgin in october triggered a suspension on the eve of the leaders embarking on a 12-game winning stretch. With naysmith’s side soaring clear, the right-back had no grounds to complain he didn’t start again until the penultimate day of 2023.
Meechan has been back in for the last six to help them march 15 points clear ahead of today’s trip to east Fife.
Fatherhood has “been the making” of the 29-year-old who said: “Times when i wasn’t playing, i understood why. But you are never happy when not playing on the Saturday.
“But then you’re coming home and see her face and her smile – it makes you smile and makes you happy!
“it’s been brilliant to be back in. i had no reason to go and chap the gaffer’s door because the boys won six in a row before i got back in so were doing well. We have a good squad so it’s just a case of biding your time.
“i’ve been back in, i have taken my chance and been performing well. i feel i’ve earned my place back in the team and long may that continue.
“When we go on a run like that and the boys perform the way they had been, it’d be unfair on anyone to drop out. i’m old enough to understand that now and respect that from the gaffer.
“He pulled me aside after the first couple of weeks and said, ‘you’ll get back in, just keep doing what you’re doing.’
“He’s a very understanding manager on and off the park. The boys are returning the favour most Saturdays.”
That was recognised yesterday when naysmith was named league Two Manager of the Month ahead of facing an east Fife side who’ve brought Dick Campbell back into the dugout.
and ian Campbell is relishing the prospect of joining his brother to help the Methil men climb the table.
They were this week installed at Bayview following the resignation of Greig McDonald, with trusted no.2 ‘Pink’ set to be by his twin’s side.
He said: “We have a massive opportunity here. it takes me back eight years to us going in and taking over at arbroath so we know we have a journey on our hands.”