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Manager Jim McIntyre is looking forward to his first game in charge when we face Dunfermline Athletic in Stuart McKenzie’s Testimonial Match at Balmoral Stadium tomorrow.

The clash with the Pars is the opener of a series of friendlies lined up as the squad continue the build-up to a first season playing at Championship level.

Jim said: “It’s Stuart’s day obviously and we are all keen to make sure it is a memorable one for him and his family.

“But it will also be an exciting one for me because I will finally get the chance to work with the players in a game situation.

“Pre-season matches are never about results, they are about getting the players fitter, and hopefully coming through them without any injuries.

“You like to perform well in them though, even more so in this one because Dunfermline are one of my former clubs.”

Goalkeeper Stuart is being honoured for the key role he has played in all the success the club has enjoyed since he first joined back in 2008.

He has picked up fourteen winners’ medals – including five Highland League titles, and for helping us win League One and League Two since stepping up to the SPFL just three years ago.

That astonishing record of success has ensured the 34-year-old is the club’s joint most decorated player, along with legendary former skipper Eric Watson.

But it’s the loyalty Stuart has shown to Cove that boss Jim views as most remarkable, and why he feels the big keeper deserves to see a bumper turn-out at his Testimonial Match.

“It underlines just how dedicated Stuart is to Cove as well as to his profession.

“It’s very rare, in these modern times, to see players spend as many years as Stuart has at the one club.

“Stuart deserves enormous credit for doing that and for all he has contributed to helping Cove achieve some great things during his time here.

“The Cove Rangers supporters know better than me just how fantastic a signing he has been for the club, and it would be great if they turned out in force at the Dunfermline game to underline their appreciation.”

There is an exclusive interview with Stuart McKenzie in the bumper Testimonial Programme which will be on sale at Balmoral Stadium tomorrow.

He speaks about the highs and lows of his career and even names his favourite Cove Rangers team-mates of all time.

The programme also contains interviews with team captain Mitch Megginson, Iain Vigurs, Connor Scully and Blair Yule, and tributes to Stuart from former team-mates Eric Watson, Alan Redford and Kevin Tindal. Ex-Scotland and Aberdeen number one, Jim Leighton, also delivers his verdict on our star goalkeeper.

Don’t miss out on what is a special souvenir to help celebrate the career of one of Cove Rangers’ greatest ever players.

Tickets will be on sale at the ticket office tomorrow, but the club strongly recommends to pre-purchase via this link: https://bit.ly/3Oicyja

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