Shotts 'legend' Paul McGeough given fitting send-off as he ends career

Shotts boss John McKeown says ‘legend’ Paul McGeough scoring a hat-trick in a 5-2 ‘appreciation game’ win over former club Wishaw is a fitting send-off to his career.

Ex-Albion Rovers midfielder McGeough was given the shock news in June that he’s been forced to retire at 32 after a tumour was found on his heart.

While McKeown hopes a lot of money was raised for McGeough from Sunday’s game at Hannah Park, he says getting his former star back on the pitch was more important – even if it took a lot out of the gaffer!

McKeown said: “Paul is a Shotts legend, we’ve had three promotions in his time here and he captained the club any time Ally Martin wasn’t there.

“He had such huge respect amongst his team-mates and even opposition players.

“It was good for big Paul and no more than he deserved. He has been a brilliant servant for the club, so it was brilliant to see him getting such a good turn-out, with former team-mates, supporters and stuff. It was a good wee day.

“I have no idea how much it raised for Paul yet, but it’s not really about any of that, it was more about getting Paul back on the park for one last hurrah with his former team-mates and stuff.

“It was a great turn-out from the guys at Wishaw, all his former team-mates from there and Shotts and it was a really good occasion.

“He scored a hat-trick in a 5-2 win, and I’m claiming a couple of assists for that – I let him take the penalty I earned at the end!

“He was excellent. Even though it was just a fun game, you could see a mile away how much we’re missing him this season, he’s such a good footballer.”

McKeown enjoyed his own run-out in the game, and hopes to have McGeough around the club in some capacity.

He said: “It was good fun, it was a good laugh, but my