No hard feelings for Dalbeattie Star boss as trialist signs for Gretna

Dalbeattie Star chief Eddie Warwick has no hard feelings after Dan Carmichael chose to sign for Gretna 2008.

The former Queen of the South and Hibs winger made two appearances for Star as a trialist as he worked to regain his fitness.

However, any hopes of him staying at Islecroft long-term have been dashed by him penning a deal with the Lowland League side.

Warwick said: “I don’t think it was ever realistic we could sign someone like him for the south league. We knew what it was going to be from start to finish. He was recovering from injury and we gave him a facility to train. He trained with us twice a week for almost three months until he felt comfortable.

“He’s been able to get back on the pitch and play two league games and a couple of friendlies and he’s feeling really good about himself.

“He’s feeling fit and wants to play up the levels. Financially we’d never be able to afford him.

“Once he started to feel better I don’t think we were ever in the driving seat to keep him but we were more than happy, with my relationship with him, to give him somewhere to train and play.

“He’s away to play at a higher level – he should still be playing professional football as he’s by no stretch of the imagination finished. He enjoyed it, he sent some nice messages to myself and the boys, he enjoyed playing football again. He thought we were professional, he loved the training and the style of football we played suited him.”

Star were left without a game last weekend after the weather got the better of their Utility Hut South of Scotland Challenge Cup clash with Lochmaben.

They are due to have another cup game this weekend – this time at Abbey Vale in the South of Scotland League Cup.

Warwick said: “Going to