MEDALS...2 MINUTES..0
Brad Spencer is dreaming of making it third time lucky with a hat-trick of SPFL Trust Trophy winner’s medals. Brad out to savour win treble – on the pitch
The Raith Rovers midfielder has twice got his hands on silverware from the tournament – but he has never played a single minute in a final.
Last year, the 26-year- old failed to make it off the bench in the victory over Queen of the South as he came back from injury.
And the delayed 2019-20 final was eventually called off because of the Covid-19 pandemic, leaving Raith and Inverness to share the trophy.
This time, Spencer is a key part of Ian Murray’s Rovers side and is desperate to play a bigger role in the club’s bid for glory.
He said: “I have won this trophy twice but never played. In my first year, Covid stopped it and we shared with Inverness then last year I was on the bench.
“I was disappointed not to get on. I’d been injured and was coming back at the time, so John McGlynn stuck with the same team that had been playing. I couldn’t complain too much but I was hoping to get a wee cameo at some point late in the game when we were 3-1 up. “So I am hoping for third time lucky. “I played in a few finals as a kid but I can’t even remember what my record was like. I want to play well and make it three wins from three in this competition – that’s if the gaffer picks me.
“I hope he does because I just love to play games. “Whether I play the full game or a small part I wi l l give my best and hopefully bring the trophy back to Kirkcaldy.
“Every player dreams of playing in finals. Getting to any final is a great achievement.”
Spencer will be cheered on by his own fan club at the Falkirk Stadium, with tickets secured for a large group of friends and family.
Dad John, the former Rangers Chelsea, QPR, Everton, Motherwell and Scotland striker, will be right in amongst them.
But despite acknowledging his father’s successful career, which also includes a spell playing and coaching in the United States and a 1994 FA Cup medal with Chelsea, Spencer junior admits he is only now learning to listen to his advice
He added: “I think I have started to appreciate Dad’s advice the older I have got. When I was young we used to have arguments and my poor mum was stuck in the middle.
“He would moan at me and I’d get annoyed with him trying to give me advice but that’s like any son and dad.
“But he loves me and wants me to do well and that’s why he tries to give me advice.”