Colts to play first senior match today

The newly-formed Berwick Rangers Colts will play their first senior fixture this afternoon at Old Shielfield, where they will play host to Coldstream Amateurs of the Border Amateur B League.

The Colts side will be managed by Michael Brown, who led the majority of the Colts’ squad last season at Berwick Rangers Under 16s. Michael will be assisted by David Morton, who has joined from local senior side Spittal Rovers, where he was a committee member.

Brown and Morton moved to make their first new signing earlier in the week, adding Evan Smith, a 17-year old formerly of Fernieside Football Club, a junior side in Edinburgh. Brown believes Smith is a bright prospect and stated that he is “excited to coach and further develop Evan”.

The Colts manager also shared his thoughts on his side’s pre-season so far, stating: “The attitude shown since we announced our plan to become a senior team has been amazing.

“I’m extremely proud of my boys and I’m sure I will be able to say the same come the end of the season.”

In an extended interview with the club’s official website, Berwick Rangers boss John Coughlin revealed his delight in adding an extra layer to the ‘Gers current youth set-up.

“I personally feel we need to underpin our first-team,” said Coughlin. “We need a development side there. We’re strengthening our ties with Tweedmouth (Rangers) and hopefully this is the beginning of being able to do that with the younger age groups too.

“If we want to bring through some of our own, then we have to have a vehicle for local kids to be able to do that.

“For me, that means we have to have age groups below the first-team. We have to give our kids something to aim at.”

Fans are welcomed to join the Colts at Old Shielfield for their friendly from 2pm today (Saturday). Berwick Rangers would like to wish Michael, David and the rest of the Colts side the best of luck for their maiden season!