10th May 2018

Steven Notman – Farewell to Berwick Rangers

Club captain Steven Notman is departing Berwick Rangers this summer after 11 years, over 300 games and sterling service to the Black & Gold. Steven has been a fantastic servant for the club and our social media team caught up with him recently to reflect on his time at the club:

Steven, great to speak to you. How did it all start for you at Berwick?

It’s been a long journey. I was a young player at Hibs and needed some game time. I’d had an injury and got a loan offer from Berwick Rangers. I really enjoyed the loan spell, when we won the league, and the rest went from there. After being released from Hibs I took some time out of the game to go travelling and then returned back to an offer to join the ‘Gers full-time.

Who was the biggest influence on your career?

I’d have to say my dad, who was also a really good player. He always pushed me. I also had some great managers during my time at Berwick. I enjoyed playing for Robbie to end it, we played together during a promotion season and he’s my mate. John Coughlin was a good manager and Colin Cameron has played at a really high level so to learn from him was good. Tony Mowbray at the start of my career was a great learning curve.

What’s your best memory of being at the club?

I’ve got a few! Winning the league whilst on loan at the club was amazing, although I was young at the time and it probably only sunk in how important that was later down the line. I am very proud of that league winners medal. Playing at Ibrox in front of 50,000 people was also an amazing highlight.

During your time at the club who was the best player you played with?

I played with a few! I’d have to say Lee Currie for the outstanding season that he had at the club. He scored loads of goals that season and every free-kick seemed to end up in the net. Darren Gribben also scored a lot of goals during an impressive spell. I’ve probably missed a couple out!

At the start of my career at Hibs I played and trained with some great players, Guillaume Beuzelin had unreal technical ability and Scott Brown has obviously gone on to have a wonderful career.

Best player you lined up against?

Too many to mention. I had some great battles with some tough midfield players!

During your time at Berwick you scored 13 goals, do you have a favourite?

It wasn’t really my game! I got a good one in the Scottish Cup up in the Highlands but I’d probably say my scoring peaked during the play-off season where I got about 5 or 6 that contributed to us getting that spot.

You got a red card on your final appearance for the club! Zidane esq finale?

I don’t know what happened! I got a booking first half when I actually thought I’d been fouled! The second booking was just one of those flash moments. I’d really improved my disciplinary record during my time at Berwick and my biggest disappointment on the final day was that I couldn’t go and clap the fans, as I had to stay in the changing room.

Any regrets from your time in Berwick?

I wish we had enjoyed another promotion season. In the latter years it became difficult as there were clubs with bigger budgets and a larger catchment area. I would have loved one more promotion as my first one was whilst on loan and I missed the season in League One, returning after the club had been relegated. Getting knocked out of the cup by Hawick was my lowest point in a Rangers shirt! Although we had some amazing experiences in the cup competitions against Glasgow Rangers, Celtic and Hibs.

Can we expect you back at Shielfield next season?

Yes, definitely. I will be down next season with my little lad, who’s just turned 5, to support the lads. I will certainly keep in touch and I’m out for a few beers with the boys on Saturday as part of my goodbye. I’ve got some great friends at the club.

What are your plans now?

I’m going to enjoy the summer. I’ve no immediate plans that involve football. I’ve got a full-time job and a young family, so I plan on spending some quality time with them. I’m thinking about coaching and management but will see how things go with the family and how I feel in a few months.

This year you’ve enjoyed your Testimonial and I know that the fans are really sorry to see you leave. Do you have a message for them?

I’d like to personally thank all of you for the support over the years. I’d love to have given the club a couple more years but time wise I couldn’t do it. The club means an awful lot to me and I would find it incredibly difficult to play against Berwick in the future. I was very proud to captain the club towards the end of the season and it was a huge relief when we were confirmed safe!

I’d also like to personally thank Brian Porteous for his incredible support with the testimonial. Him and his son, Callum, were both excellent from start to finish, from the golf day to the dinner afterwards. I didn’t realise how much work was involved and I’ll always be grateful for that. It was a great day against Glasgow Rangers and something I’ll always remember.

Thank you all and I’ll see you soon.

 

We know that all our fans would like to thank Steven for his tremendous loyalty in the Berwick shirt, combined with 100% commitment. He will be missed and we wish him all the best with his future plans.

 

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