A PROUD Gala Fairydean Rovers boss Martin Scott says that winning the East of Scotland Cup yesterday ‘eclipses’ everything he did as a player.
Gala came back from 2-0 down with only ten men to draw level with Linlithgow Rose at Ferguson Park in Rosewell on Sunday and his players held their nerve to win the penalty shoot-out.
READ MORE: Dramatic penalty shoot out victory for Gala Fairydean Rovers
Scott enjoyed a successful career with Ross County, helping the Highland team to the Scottish Cup final by scoring against favourites Celtic in the semis. He also had a spell with Hibs and Livingston in Scotland’s top-flight before moving to Gala.
After taking over from former manager Neil Hastings who left the club to join Premiership Livingston where he is currently assistant to manager David Martindale, Scott has led the Borders club to their equal highest ever points tally in the Lowland league with four games remaining.
He also guided the team to the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup final which Gala lost to Sunday’s opponents Linlithgow Rose in May.
READ MORE: Linlithgow Rose stand between Rovers and the history books
Speaking after the final whistle he said: “It probably eclipse anything I ever done as a player. I was really fortunate, I had a decent career and earned some medals out of it, scored some big goals and played in some big games, but as a manager you see it from a different perspective.
“When you see the amount of effort and time people put in behind the scenes and I did say that before the game.
“I said that we would need absolutely everyone if we are going to win this cup today.
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“And at half time we spoke to the guys, and we questioned them a wee bit and asked whether we were competing enough for a cup final.
“And I think in the second half, without being disrespectful, I think it was total domination. I think we were the team in the ascendency, although Linlithgow were really threatening. They have some really good players and I think they will go onto to win their league.
“But from our perspective I’m delighted. It’s one of the best feelings I have ever had in football.”
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