Dunbar United captain Grant Thomson 'proud' of testimonial

The 32-year-old has played more than 300 games for the Seasiders, having grown up in the town.

He was honoured with a testimonial on Saturday, with Raith Rovers making the trip across the Forth.

Thomson was born in Kirkcaldy and was full of praise for Ian Murray’s side, who ran out 7-1 winners.

The club captain said: “It was amazing from start to finish really.

“Raith Rovers were brilliant, chatting away to me, giving me signed shirts and signed pendants.

“I spoke to a few players and I spoke to Ian Murray as well.

“The crowd was brilliant, with close to 500 people there.

“I had a lot of family and a lot of friends there on and off the park who had come to watch.

Grant Thomson welcomed Raith Rovers to New Countess Park for his testimonial

“I had four of my friends who don’t play for Dunbar anymore – Steven and Keith Tait, Fraser McLaren and Kieran Ingram – come back to play for us.

“It was good and then Raith obviously had players who I have watched over the years and some ex-Hibs and Hearts players.”

A bumper crowd lined the pitch for the contest, with new signing James Redpath firing home a consolation from fully 40 yards for Dunbar.

Thomson thanked everyone for attending the contest and said: “I just felt really proud walking out with my son, Ellis, and my niece, Molly Coulson.

“It was quite emotional walking out and seeing the crowd clapping me on.

“I played against Raith and boys I have watched growing up.”

Kevin Haynes, manager of Dunbar United, felt it was a fitting occasion for Thomson, who has spent more than a decade at the club, having made his debut against Broxburn Athletic in May 2009.

Since then, he has been a regular for the club, as well as having brief spells with Musselburgh Athletic and Haddington Athletic.

Grant Thomson, wearing the captain's armband, welcomed Raith Rovers to New Countess Park for his testimonial

The manager was unable to attend the game due to a family holiday but was pleased to be able to help arrange the fixture, having got in touch with then Stark’s Park assistant manager Paul Smith.

Haynes said: “Grant is a good football player, he is very professional and very committed.

“He is one that you can hang your hat on.

“He has been at every session, he is the first at every session, tries his hardest at every session and is an example the young kids within the club should be looking at.

“He is very well thought of within the club and the entire community.

“His family should be very proud of him.”