SOMEWHERE IN MY HEART I KNEW THAT I WANTED TO BE A FOOTBALLER
Fergus’s dad was Aztec Camera star but young Accies defender would rather focus on silverware than gold discs
Fergus Owens’ dad Campbell was bass player in 80s pop band Aztec Camera – but the Hamilton Accies defender is hoping to hit a high note in his football career when the club face Raith Rovers in this weekend’s SPFL Trust Trophy final.
The 19-year-old, from Westwood, doesn’t see his dad as ‘famous’ but recognises that the East Kilbride band had some success, with hits such as Somewhere In My Heart.
But rather than being musically-minded – admitting he can barely play Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star on the piano – Fergus was more inclined to kick a ball and that has taken him all the way to the first-team at New Douglas Park.
Having played his 20th game in the top team in the 0-0 draw against Arbroath on March 3, Owens has progressed to the first-team dressing room, and intends to stay there.
The youngster, who is hoping he will get the nod for Sunday’s final against Rovers, says a few team-mates have recognised his pop-star parent.
He said: “I’ve not had stick from the boys, but there have been a few comments.
“My dad was in a band. I don’t feel like they were in the big time – he’ll say that himself – but they were quite famous.
“Everyone knows who they are and they had a few good songs.
“My mum and dad – particularly my dad – tried to get us into the piano and stuff, but I never really grasped it.
“I’ve got two older brothers and they tried to get them into it. One of them stuck at it, but I didn’t.
“I can play a few songs like Twinkle Twinkle. I know the notes, but I don’t really play.
“I wasn’t really interested. I wanted to play football. When I was getting into pro-youth teams at 10, I thought ‘this is the thing for me’.
“Hopefully I can make a name for myself and be a footballer, and that’s how I can make it big.”
Owens says that there are a lot of guiding lights at Accies and it helps they were often once exactly where he is now.
He said: “I’ve been here for a good many years now, and finally got into the first-team dressing room, so it’s good banter and that.
“All the boys have helped me, senior guys like Brian Easton, Dylan McGowan and Scott Martin have all been very good in keeping me right.
“Easty has been here for so long and he’s taken the youth team before. Last season he was taking some of the under-16s and helping the under-18s. In reserve games he’s very good to play with, especially when you’re just breaking through.
“He’ll always put his hand on your shoulder to help you out in training, if you’re doing something wrong, or somebody’s giving you a bit.
“There are a lot of boys in that dressing room who were in the same situation as me before and now they’re up there.”
Owens has become a mainstay in the Accies team and could pick up some silverware on Sunday if his side come out on top at the Falkirk Stadium against fellow Championship side Raith Rovers.
He said: “Hopefully I’ve done enough in training this week to give the gaffer something to think about, and keep me in the team.”