17/07/2020

THE darkness didn’t deter Cove Rangers’ hardy group of sponsored walkers as they continued their long trek to Dundee.
Former Cove Rangers players Mark Perry and Roy McBain and ardent Cove fan  Ian Yule donned hi visibility jackets as they marched on after midnight to cover the estimated 63 miles between Balmoral Stadium and Dundee United’s Tannadice Park.
Cove Rangers manager Paul Hartley walked the first leg of the journey, from Balmoral Stadium to Newtonhill, a distance just short of seven miles.
Cove coach Gary Hake then took up the baton, with the four setting a healthy pace as they approched Stonehaven on their way down the coastal route to Dundee.
They are doing the walk to help United, Raith Rovers and ourselves, who have been dragged into a legal fight, through litigation and now arbitration, to ensure the promotion we earned in season 2020-21 stays in place.
Fans and former players of United, who won promotion to the Premier League, and Raith Rovers, who earned promotion to the Championship, are also doing sponsored walks in an amazing show of solidarity against what all three clubs see as an unfair penalty for being declared as worthy champions of our respective divisions last season.
The sponsorship money raised will go towards the legal costs of fighting our case.
Ourselves, United and Raith have already incurred over £50,000 in legal costs and these costs could escalate to over £150,000 by the time arbitration concludes.
A portion will also be donated to Ian’s chosen charity, Aberdeen Voluntary Services.
The trio will be joined at various points along their route by a host of people connected to Cove Rangers, including manager Paul Hartley and legendary former club captain Eric Watson.
The walkers are aiming to arrive at Tannadice around 8pm on Saturday evening.
At the time of writing, the sum raised had reached an astonishing £8,665.
A north-east businessman, who wishes to remain anonymous, has also pledged to match the final sponsorship total.
We would also like to thank everyone who has agreed to sponsor Mark , Roy and Ian for their generosity.