Lowland League: Captain Corbett keen to finally kick-off campaign

Posted on Monday, July 29th, 2019

After a failed bid to kick-off their Lowland League campaign on Saturday due to decidedly Scottish summer weather, The Spartans have the opportunity to open up their season at home when they welcome BSC Glasgow to Ainslie Park on Tuesday evening.

The visitors head East after securing a point against East Stirling in what social media informs your scribe as a competitive affair.

It is likely to be no different come 7.45pm as the teams leave the sheds and head onto the park for what promises to be yet another tough encounter between the two sides.

Leading The Spartans out will be newly installed Captain, Adam Corbett.  The 21 year graduate of the respected Academy Pathway programme takes over the coveted armband following the departure of Michael Herd during the summer.

The 21 year old, described by Manager Douglas Samuel as someone who “represents all I look for in a player” is relishing the opportunity to lead his side onto big things this year.

Speaking ahead of the opening game of the Lowland League campaign, the talented Defender said, “I’m very proud of being awarded the Captain’s armband this year – it means a tremendous amount to me.   Coming through as a Graduate from the Academy it’s a big thing not only to be representing the club, but in leading the first team too.

“I was fortunate to be able to ‘dip my toe in the water’ as it where last season with a few shifts as  Captain in Herdy’s absence.  Now I get to lead the team at the start of the season out onto the pitch and right away into a massive game and I’m looking forward to it.”

It’s been a metoric rise for the skipper who is now in his 6th year at Ainslie Park and it in many ways epitomises the way The Spartans player pathway delivers success.  Shaping and developing talent not only sees high performers like Corbett showcase the Academy system but it can also offer an aspiration statement for ambitious young footballers too by creating role models.

“Oh, I’ve never really thought about being seen as a role model if I’m honest, but I guess you could say that.   I started playing for Spartans at u17s, a season there followed by another with the 19s before two successful years at 20s before moving up to the first team so yeah, I’d like people to perhaps see my journey and think to themselves that there is a club that you can aspire to be the best you can be and that anything is possible.

“You can see lots of good young players coming though, for example Nicky Reid.  16 years old, he’s an exciting talent, brilliant ball player and brings something decidedly fresh to the squad.  He can bring lots of energy onto the pitch when he comes on and it lifts those around him to (probably so we can try keep up with him!).”

Looking ahead to the visit of BSC Glasgow, Corbett is aware of the challenge they will offer but remains focussed on the task in hand.

“We were all gutted that Saturday was postponed, rightly so mind you due to the puddles on the pitch, as we were really looking forward to getting stuck in to the ‘real thing’ as it were after a handful of friendlies.

“We are definitely familiar with BSC over the years and are acutely aware that it will be a tough game to start with, but home advantage and a strong support behind us is key and we’ll get stuck in from the first whistle and look to kick-off the season with a win.”

Kick-off is at 7.45pm.  Admission £7 Adults, £4 Concessions and Under 16s Free.  Season Tickets are on sale at the gate or online to pick up on the night.  Our 50% off promotion for SPFL clubs season ticket holders continues.  See us every other week for half the price!