Legends/Ex-Players

Shawbridge defender Stephen "Stengo" McShane (pictured left) has finally decided to call time on his Shawbridge career half a season short of a ten year invlovement. The 31 year old big "Yetti" is one of the original players who helped found the club back in 1999. He started out as an excellent central midfielder and then developed into an outstanding centre-half . His huge frame contributed to his "no-nonesense" style of defending that was the foundation of the Shaws team for many years. Stengo was heavily involved in every success we have had as a team. He played in our promotion winning side in our 1st season, our 2 Cup Final victories and 4 other Cup Final appearances. He was a pleasure to manage with his attitude and commitment first class. A nicer big guy and a faster pint drinker you will never meet! He was an ever present up till season 2007/08 when a

troublesome calf injury caused him to miss most of the campaign. He worked hard to get back from that and was pushing for a starting slot in season 2008/09. It was just unfortunate that whilst out Archie Bryce and Mark Longmuir had built a formidable partnership at centre back. Having never been used to sitting on the bench (what good player is?) he felt it was time to call it a day. At 31 he still has a few years left in him but after being asked if he would move to another club he replied "I can't imagine playing for any team other than Shawbridge." Stengo made some lasting friendships during his time at Shawbridge and a few good nights out were had (especially his stag weekend in Liverpool-class!!). I have nothing but respect for the big man and the whole club want to thank him for his efforts over the years and wish him all the best for the future. He has his hands full now with married life and wee Liam to look after. Maybe we can sign the wee man for the Shaws youth team!!

Paul Atkin AKA "The Wogba" (pictured top left) and Steven "Taggie" Taggart (pictured below left) have sadly both decided to leave Shawbridge. The Wogba (White Drogba) joined the Shaws from Kings Park Rangers at the start of season 2007/08 and made an immediate impression with his excellent hold up play and eye for goal. Last season he was a first team regular whenever fit or not working and he was in the starting team for the Strathclyde Cup Final against Clydebank United. I'm sure we could have got the best out of the big man had work commitments and niggly injuries not held him back a bit. He works with football agent Raymond Sparkes and he certainly worked for his money during that season when he seemed to be in Poland every other week, looking at players and potential transfers. Some of the big man's chat was different class. In season 2008/09 he seemed to be working less but was hampered by various niggling injuries that didn't allow him produce his best on the few chances he got. Added to that, the form of the team was excellent so he decided to call it a day. His wedding in Ayr was a cracking night and all the Shaws boys (and partners) really enjoyed it.

Young Taggie also joined at the beginning of season 2007/08 and what he lacked in height and experience he made up for in grit and determination. He would tackle a brick wall if you asked him! He struggled to make the starting 11 when we had a full squad but his attitude was 1st class, only missing training on the odd occasion. Both players will be missed. Everyone at Shawbridge thanks them for their contribution and wishes them all the best for the future.

Andy McDougall Murray (yes, thats his real middle name!) has decided to call his Shawbridge career to a halt. He has opted to play for Saturday afternoon East Kilbride team Centre One who play in the Scottish Amateur League. A few of his mates had decided to join and the lure of this and the location of the team was enough for him to leave the Shaws. The player AKA "Boy Band" joined Shawbridge in season 2005/06 and proved to be an instant hit with the management and the rest of the team.