'As a youngster, this was my Hampden' - Scotland star John Collins celebrates reopening of stand at hometown club
Players past and present among Netherdale crowd for ribbon-cutting ceremony
Last updated 14th Mar 2023
Gala Fairydean Rovers celebrated the reopening of the club's stand with a 2-1 home win over Rangers 'B' team this afternoon (Saturday).
A second half brace from Zander Murray cancelled out Connor Young's first half-opener for the Lowland League leaders.
It was a fitting end to a day which started with former Scotland star John Collins, who grew up in Galashiels, helping to cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Speaking to Radio Borders pitchside, Collins, who had a glittering football career with Hibs, Celtic, Monaco, Everton and Fulham, said: "For me, this is a magnificent ground. It brings back nothing but great memories from my childhood.
"As a youngster, this was my Hampden. Coming along here on a Saturday to support the team as a wee boy was very, very special - so I'm delighted to be here. It's a big day - four years without this lovely stand, so it's nice to have it back. It is iconic."
The 500-capacity stand, which originally opened in 1964, has been closed for almost four years after concerns were raised over the safety of the A-listed structure.
But it's hoped the project - which saw it undergo more than a million pounds worth of repairs - will help safeguard it for future generations.
Collins said: "The club's doing great. We've got the new astroturf, new floodlights - everything's in place. We've got a good young team, young coaching team as well... and a lot of talent on show.
"It's great the pyramid system is here; there would be nothing greater for Gala Fairydean Rovers than to keep climbing up the league. I would say they're the small fish in a big pond when it comes to budgets, but they're punching above their weight.
"I know the club committee and chairman are all very ambitious and want to try to improve year after year - trying to get more sponsors constantly, to generate more money to get better players.
"And, of course, I always shout up for the young players. We want local young players in the team. That's the ideal scenario - Galashiels and Borders boys in this team, and playing at this fabulous venue." But, he added: "Things are looking good on and off the pitch."
The Peter Womersley-designed stand is revered around the world for its unique cantilever design.
But the chairman of Gala Fairydean Rovers community trust has revealed the club could have been forced to abandon Netherdale without Scottish Borders Council's support.
Ross Buchan - who's a chartered surveyor to trade - also admitted the latest investment is just part of a bigger vision.
He said: "We had a very early Stage Three cost plan prepared which was telling us the costs were not £600,000 they were going to be closer to £1.5 million; now, that was a bit of a shocker and it was not a risk the football club could shoulder.
"This is Phase Three of a seven phase plan that I've worked on with architects and surveyors to get drawings and costs to make this stadium complete. Phase Seven takes it up to a stage where it's totally terraced and roofed in."
And he added: "I think it's going to be a tremendous opportunity for people to re-engage with the club. There was talk of people that didn't really want to come to the games because they couldn't shelter, so they're going to have that facility back again - so that's great."
Netherdale stand opening in pictures
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