GLENS BAG LANG STAR
Rutherglen squad scoop top Cambuslang midfielder
Rutherglen Glencairn have been successful in their sensational swoop for rivals Cambuslang Rangers star Dale Simeon.
The 23-year-old midfielder has put pen to paper with the Glens, joining the club after two trophyladen seasons at Somervell Park.
Simeon won a league title, secured two promotions and was named the club’s player of the year twice in succession.
However, the influential forward has turned down the chance to take Cambuslang into the top division next season and opted for a shot at Championship glory.
He admitted the Glens assistant coach George Fotheringham was the main factor in his move across the divide, who left boss Paul McColl’s management team in August last year.
Simeon understands there will be a few critics surprised at his move but the drop in division is not a problem.
“It doesn’t matter at all to me,” he said. “For me it is just about enjoying my football. If I’m enjoying it I don’t really care whether it’s the top league or the bottom league.
“For me, the big pull was the coach. He had been my coach for six or seven years throughout under 21s and then throughout juniors at Cambuslang. Then once he left the enjoyment kind of fell away for me.
“As soon as there was interest from Glencairn it was a nobrainer.
“They are run really well and well-known for good facilities, great training facilities and a great ground.”
Glencairn manager Willie Harvey was delighted with his new addition, who is among six signings to have penned on the dotted line at the Celsius Stadium.
Simeon has even taken a drop in wages to sign for the club he played for as an under 21 player.
Harvey said: “I am very pleased. It’s been something we have been working on for some time.
“Obviously he has a good rapport with George so we used that to our advantage and we’re happy to have him with us.
“Sometimes it’s not down to what league you play in, it’s about enjoying your football and what we offered him. I’m not saying he didn’t enjoy his football at Cambuslang but he’s taken a drop in wages. So we know he is joining us for the right reasons and not just for the money.”
Simeon added: “I want to say a massive thank you to Paul McColl. He is a spot-on guy and did a lot for me .
“The last two years have been absolutely amazing for me, winning a lot of trophies personally and winning the league and getting promoted two years in a row. It was hard to leave but the pull of the coach was a bit too much.”