Latest news with #Burgh
Daily Record
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
'Proud day': Renfrewshire councillors pay tribute to Johnstone Burgh after Scottish Junior Cup win
The club has been formally congratulated following the penalty shoot-out victory over Lowland League side Tranent. Renfrewshire councillors have paid tribute to Johnstone Burgh after they lifted the Scottish Junior Cup for the first time in 57 years. The club has been formally congratulated for its achievement following a penalty shoot-out victory over Lowland League side Tranent on Sunday, June 1. Striker Kyle Lafferty converted the decisive spot-kick to ensure a 4-2 win – sparking euphoria among the players and supporters – after a 1-1 draw in normal time at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire. It meant captain Derek Esplin became the first Burgh skipper to hoist the trophy aloft since 1968 when George Caughey did just that. Recounting his experience of the day at Thursday's full meeting of Renfrewshire Council, Councillor Iain McMillan, a Labour representative for Johnstone South and Elderslie, declared it would "live long" in his memory. He added: "For those of us who were at the game, it was absolutely fantastic and I was very fortunate – I was there with my dad, I was there with my daughter and I was there with my granddaughter, so there were four generations of the family. "Being a supporter of a rather large football club, the difference you get when you go and see a smaller community club like Johnstone Burgh is like chalk and cheese because you virtually know everybody in the crowd. It's that community feeling." Ciaran Diver grabbed a second-half equaliser to take the final to penalties after opponents Tranent had taken a first-half lead through Harry Girdwood. Murdo MacKinnon's Burgh then held their nerve during the shoot-out, netting all of their penalties to send their fans and coaching staff into a state of jubilation. The West of Scotland League Premier Division outfit's pitch perfect cast of takers included Fraser Mullen, Diver, Ross Davidson and Lafferty. Later that evening, hundreds of punters draped in red and white descended on Johnstone's Houstoun Square for Burgh's eagerly anticipated homecoming. Councillor Andy Steel, an SNP representative for Johnstone South and Elderslie, said at the meeting: "Similar to Councillor McMillan, I was there with my boy and, despite very kind invitations elsewhere, I really wanted to be there with my son to create a memory that hopefully lasts a few years for me and a lifetime for him because that's what it's all about really. "We go to the Burgh on a Saturday afternoon and I like going to watch the Burgh because I get to spend two hours with my son, which I don't very often, so it meant an awful lot." Provost Lorraine Cameron added: "It was a very proud day indeed for everyone in Johnstone. "It just gave the community a whole buzz and you'll be pleased to know I'm in the process of organising an appropriate civic hospitality reception for the players and guests." Two motions congratulating Burgh were unanimously agreed among elected members.
Daily Record
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Renfrewshire Council set to formally congratulate Johnstone Burgh on Scottish Junior Cup win
Two motions have been put forward to pay tribute to the club following the penalty shoot-out victory over Tranent. Renfrewshire Council looks set to formally congratulate Johnstone Burgh after they lifted the Scottish Junior Cup for the first time in 57 years. Two motions have been put forward to pay tribute to the club and its achievement following the dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Lowland League side Tranent on Sunday, June 1. Former Rangers man Kyle Lafferty buried the decisive spot-kick to ensure a 4-2 win – which led to emotional scenes among the players and supporters – after a 1-1 draw in normal time at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire. It meant captain Derek Esplin became the first Burgh skipper to lift the trophy since 1968 when George Caughey also achieved the feat. The first motion to be considered at the full council meeting on Thursday has been lodged by Councillor Iain McMillan, a Labour representative for Johnstone South and Elderslie, and Councillor Chris Gilmour, a Labour representative for Johnstone North and the surrounding villages. It reads: "Council wishes to congratulate Johnstone Burgh on winning the Scottish Junior Cup against Tranent for season 2024/2025. "Council recognises the hard work done by the committee, coaching staff and players in achieving this success. The council further wishes the club well for the future." Ciaran Diver had grabbed a second-half equaliser to take the final to penalties after opponents Tranent had taken a first-half lead through Harry Girdwood. Murdo MacKinnon's Burgh held their nerve during the shoot-out and netted all of their penalties to come out on top and send their supporters and coaching staff into a state of euphoria. The West of Scotland League Premier Division outfit's pitch perfect cast of takers included Fraser Mullen, Diver, Ross Davidson and Lafferty to spark the jubilant scenes. Later that evening, hundreds of punters draped in red and white descended on Johnstone's Houstoun Square for Burgh's homecoming. A second motion to be considered at the council summit later this week has been submitted by Councillor Andy Steel and Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, who are both SNP representatives for Johnstone South and Elderslie. It reads: "Council congratulates Johnstone Burgh on their achievement of winning the Scottish Junior Cup for the first time since 1968. "Council applauds the work done by players, staff and volunteers who make the Burgh a central part of Johnstone."
Scotsman
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Ex-Hearts, Sunderland and Rangers star admits retirement could be near as he signs latest contract
A former Hearts, Rangers and Sunderland striker has admitted he is considering retirement. Sign up to our Hearts newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Former Hearts and Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty has admitted his career could be nearing an end after he put pen-to-paper on a new one-year deal with West of Scotland League Premier Division side Johnstone Burgh. The 89-times capped former Northern Ireland international made his name with current English Premier League club Burnley before joining Rangers during the summer of 2008. A four-year stay at Ibrox brought three Premiership titles, two League Cup final wins and a single Scottish Cup final triumph as Lafferty scored 31 goals in 104 appearances before linking up with former Rangers and Italy midfielder Gennaro Gattuso at Swiss club FC Sion. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad SNS Group The striker went on to spend time with the likes of Palermo and Norwich City before joining Hearts on a two-year deal in June 2017. After scoring 13 goals in 37 appearances and helping his side end Celtic's 69-game unbeaten run in domestic competitions, Lafferty returned to Rangers after a one-season stay at Tynecastle before wrapping up his professional career with short spells with Sunderland, Reggina, Kilmarnock, Anorthosis Famagusta and Linfield. A move into the semi-professional game came during the summer of 2023 as Lafferty penned a two-year deal with Johnstone Bergh - although a serious knee injury suffered in his second game for the club hampered the impact he made during his first season at James Y. Keanie Park. However, the former Hearts man made a big impression last season as he scored the decisive penalty to help the Burgh lift the first Scottish Junior Cup for the first time since 1968. Now 37, Lafferty has committed to one more season with the club and is targeting one last hurrah by guiding the Burgh into the Lowland League before he hangs up his boots. He said: 'I would like to be [at Burgh next season]. I know I am getting on and, if I am here next year, it will probably be my last season. I would like to go out leaving the club in the Lowland League. Even after I hang up my boots, I would like to stay on as a coach at the club. It is something I have looked at. I have my own soccer academy as well so I think I can pass on my experience and hopefully bring the young lads on because I think we don't have a lot of lads from the 21s coming through. Hopefully that will be a side I can look after.' Your next Hearts read: Hearts transfer latest: Key reasons why pair have opted for club detailed and Premiership player talks Jambos
Daily Record
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Former Rangers star Kyle Lafferty agrees new Johnstone Burgh deal and admits next season could be his last
The 37-year-old striker has a vision of moving into coaching as he begins to look to the future. Kyle Lafferty has signed a one-year contract extension with Johnstone Burgh as the striker admits it could be his last hurrah in professional football. The former Rangers and Northern Ireland forward has extended his stay at Keanie Park for a third season after pitching up at the club in 2023. The 37-year-old is one of seven players who have signed a new deal with the Junior Cup winners. Lafferty scored the winning spot-kick in a penalty shoot-out with Tranent at Broadwood Stadium earlier this month. Speaking prior to the deal being announced, Lafferty said he would love one more season on the pitch and to help Burgh not only win the West of Scotland League Premier Division but also get promoted to the Lowland League. He said: 'I would like to be [at Burgh next season]. I know I am getting on and, if I am here next year, it will probably be my last season. I would like to go out leaving the club in the Lowland League.' However, it won't be the last of the footballing action if the Northern Irishman does call it quits on his playing career in 2026 as he says he has ambitions to go into the coaching side of the game. It is an area he has already explored having set up his own coaching business called Kyle Lafferty Soccer Academy. He said: 'Even after I hang up my boots, I would like to stay on as a coach at the club. 'It is something I have looked at. I have my own soccer academy as well so I think I can pass on my experience and hopefully bring the young lads on because I think we don't have a lot of lads from the 21s coming through. Hopefully that will be a side I can look after.' Also signing on at Keanie Park for another year is Max Kerr, Darren Christie, Craig Menzies, Malky McDonald and Aaron Mason. Hero keeper Luke Scullion extended his deal until 2028. Still under contract at the club is Calum Law, Cammy Eadie, Danny O'Neill, Kian Gilday, skipper Derek Esplin, Noah Young, Blair Rossiter, Allan MacKenzie, Ross Smith, Aidan Gilmartin and Ciaran Diver. A number of players, however, are moving on. Those heading for pastures new are Jason Naismith, Connor McGlinchey, Fraser Mullen, Gary McCann, Alan Cook and Stuart McCann. Midfielder Ross Davidson returns to SPFL League Two outfit Stirling Albion after his loan expired. The club said in a statement: 'Johnstone Burgh would like to thank the departing players for their time and effort at the club and wish them the very best for their new ventures.'
Daily Record
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Johnstone Burgh captain Derek Esplin relives moment 57-year Junior Cup hoodoo was ended
The Keanie Park skipper got his hands on the trophy after a penalty shoot-out win over Tranent. Derek Esplin reflected on Johnstone Burgh's history-making Junior Cup triumph and admitted: It has been a long time coming. The Keanie Park ace became the first Burgh skipper to lift the trophy since George Caughey did just that back in 1968. Esplin hoisted aloft the silverware at Broadwood Stadium on Sunday, June 1, after the Renfrewshire side beat Lowland League Tranent 4-2 on penalties. There were jubilant scenes as Burgh ended a 57-year Junior Cup hoodoo with the town later turning out in force at Houstoun Square for a very special homecoming. 'It was a brilliant moment and it has been a long time coming,' Esplin told the Paisley Daily Express. 'It was amazing to lift the trophy and see your family, friends and the full town here. 'You saw the crowd that we brought here for the final. This is a massive club and massive town. Everybody at the club deserves this, not just the players. 'We will take all the plaudits but there are so many people doing so much behind the scenes at the club, just like at every Junior club. We said in the changing room that cup finals don't come around every year. You have to go out there and take it – seize the moment. 'I'm just delighted for everybody as it has been a long time coming so we are going to enjoy it. I thought we deserved to win over the piece.' Burgh certainly did it the hard way after falling behind just before half-time when Harry Girdwood netted for the Belters. However, Ciaran Diver arrived at the back post to smash the ball into the roof of the net after Aaron Mason's deflected strike was kept out by keeper Kelby Mason. 'We've done it all season,' admitted Esplin. 'But that tells you a lot about our character. I knew we weren't beat and I knew if we could get one goal we would go on and win it. I thought the subs changed the game but everybody to a man was brilliant.' Following a 1-1 draw in normal time, the cup was to be decided by penalties with Dean Brett missing Tranent's opener. Burgh keeper Luke Scullion later denied Euan Bauld with Fraser Mullen, Diver and Ross Davidson's conversions setting it up nicely for Kyle Lafferty to seal success – and the former Rangers and Northern Ireland star made no mistake. Esplin added: 'Kyle has played at the highest level so, when he went up for the penalty, I just thought to myself, 'he's scoring that'. We've been saying it for months that Kyle would come on and score the winner in the Scottish Cup final and he's effectively done it.' And Esplin had a message for those who think the Junior Cup isn't as important since the creation of the West of Scotland League. 'People say it has lost its magic but I'm not having that,' he insisted. 'Tranent came into the cup this season and I think a lot of the big teams are coming back to it. Cup finals don't come around often so when you are in it, you want to go on and win it.'
