SPFL 2: Skipper proud to lead Spartans out in historic occasion for club

Posted on Friday, August 4th, 2023

The waiting is almost over.  This weekend sees The Spartans make history with their first game in SPFL 2 after securing promotion from the Lowland League via the pyramid system.

After four exciting Viaplay Cup group ties – three against loftier opponents – and a runout midweek against Rangers B in the SPFL Trust Trophy, the pre-season preparations are done, the plaudits have been earned and Douglas Samuel’s charges take on Clyde FC in the opening game of the 2023/24 season.

Kevin Waugh, who is taking over the coveted Captain’s armband for the forthcoming campaign, is honoured to have the opportunity to lead the side out onto the park in front of a vocal Spartan Army support in what promises to be the biggest day in the clubs 72 year history. 

The defender, who signed for Spartans in the summer of 2021, was impressed by the way the squad handled the intensity of the Viaplay Cup competition.

“The group was a really good test and we performed really well, beyond the expectations of many I’m sure and to be fair, I thought we could probably have taken another couple of points from the games we were edged out late on in too.

“The real stuff however starts now and we want to get off the mark with three points first time out.  If we play on Saturday like we’ve done against the full time opponents we’ve been up against already, we’ll give ourselves a really good chance of winning and I think we’ll do really well this year in our first season in the professional league environment.

“We’ve used the Viaplay Cup constructively as part of our pre-season preparations, to make sure everyone is ready for Saturday and is raring to go from the first whistle.”

As understudy skipper to club legend Ian McFarland last season, Waugh is enthused by the buzz being generated, not only within Ainslie Park itself, but around the North Edinburgh community as a whole.

“Its obviously a historic day for the football club and something to really look forward to.  I feel like we always play better when we have a big crowd inside Ainslie Park, like we witnessed in the play-offs in particular and the boys always rise to the challenge. I’m sure Saturday will be no different and Clyde will no doubt bring through a decent following as well for the first game of the season.”

Visitors Clyde head to Ainslie Park no doubt looking to get their season off to a winning start as they look to return to League 1 at the first time of asking.

The Bully Wee finished their recent Viaplay group exploits with a strong showing against Premiership side Livingston however it wasn’t enough for them to pick up their first points of the tournament.

Kick-off at Ainslie Park is 3.00pm. Tickets can be either purchased in advance via Fanbase or supporters can pay at the gate.

There promises to be a carnival experience inside the ground ahead of kick-off when local youth samba band Pulse of the Place will entertain what promises to be a bumper crowd inside the ground.

Parking directly at the ground will be limited / unlikely. There is on street parking nearby along with neighbouring Morrison’s where you could get your messages before or after the game whilst you are parked there.

We highly recommend any supporters who wish to sit in the stand, which accommodates 504 spectators, to arrive early.

On a more positive note, we have a signed off capacity of 3500 excluding the stand which will offer sufficient space for all spectators coming along.

Coming to Ainslie Park for the first time? Here’s our handy guide.