Speakers unveiled for McCleary’s testimonial dinner
Arbroath manager Dick Campbell and former referee John Rowbotham are the guest speakers for a testimonial dinner in honour of Berwick Rangers’ long-serving and celebrated club secretary, Dennis McCleary.
Honorary club president McCleary has been involved with Berwick Rangers since 1970, and earlier this month we announced details of his testimonial match, against a Sunderland AFC XI on Saturday 15 July at Shielfield Park. Tickets for this game can still be purchased in advance online, via https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Fixtures.
Dennis’ testimonial dinner will take place on Sunday 1 October, at the Black and Gold bar next to Shielfield Park. Guests are asked to arrive at 12.30pm for a 1pm start. The dinner will be hosted by Racing TV’s Gordon Brown, and will feature anecdotes and recollections from two legends of Scottish football – Dick Campbell and John Rowbotham.
Dick Campbell is the current manager of Arbroath FC in the Cinch Championship, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers ever to coach in part-time football in Scotland. In a managerial career spanning four decades, Campbell has gained five promotions. This includes guiding a club from the fourth tier to the second tier not once, but twice, with Brechin City and Arbroath. He rose to national fame in the 2021/22 season as his part-time Arbroath side pushed Kilmarnock all the way in a thrilling Championship title race, although the Red Lichties eventually finished as runners-up. Campbell has stood in the dugout in over 1,300 games in total, winning three Manager of the Year awards and thirty-five manager of the month awards. His fiery temper and keen wit have earned him cult status within the game, and Dick promises to be a highly entertaining speaker at the testimonial dinner on 1 October.
Tall, bald, and with a no-nonsense attitude, John Rowbotham is arguably Scotland’s answer to Pierluigi Collina. Rowbotham spent twelve years as a grade 1 referee, and five years as an international referee. He has officiated in world cup qualifiers, Champions League and Europa League ties, and was referee in the 2005 Scottish Cup Final between Celtic and Dundee United. He was also involved in no fewer than thirteen Old Firm derbies. He is sure to reveal all kinds of stories of refereeing in matches involving some of the most famous players and fearsome managers in the Scottish game.
In short, this testimonial dinner is an event not to be missed for any fans of Scottish football, and will be another brilliant way to celebrate the storied career of our very own Dennis McCleary. Tickets cost £40 per person, or a full table of ten guests can be booked at the discounted price of £360. To secure your place for the dinner, and for details about how to pay, please email craigforsyth23@btinternet.com.
