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Mark Reynolds is confident the Cove Rangers fans will ensure Stuart McKenzie has a day to remember against Dunfermline Athletic in the long serving goalkeeper’s Testimonial Match.

The Pars visit Balmoral Stadium this afternoon as we pay tribute to one of the greatest players in Cove Rangers’ one hundred year history.

Since first signing in 2008 Stuart has won seven league titles and been all the way on the journey from the Highland League to the Championship.

“Testimonials are few and far between nowadays,” said Mark, who is preparing for his first full campaign after joining from Dundee United in January.

“There’s not as much loyalty in football as there used to be, so you have to admire anyone who has stayed at one club for as long as Stuart has. I’ve only played alongside him for six months, but that’s been more than enough time to see how talented he is, and how well respected he is by everyone at the club.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here, and a lot of that is down to how well Stuart played in the run-up to winning League One last season.

“He made a lot of very crucial saves and it’s something I know he has done throughout his time at Cove Rangers. His has been an astronomical rise, to go from playing a fair chunk of his career in the Highland League, all the way up to the Championship.

“I’m delighted the club has recognised the hard work Stuart work put in to help get Cove Rangers to where they are now, and I’m sure the fans will show their appreciation by turning out in force for his big game. It’s something Stuart certainly deserves.”

Having played for Motherwell, Sheffield Wednesday, Aberdeen and United, Mark has found himself defending in front of some of the best goalkeepers in the business. He says Stuart is right up there with the pick of the them, despite having played part-time football for the bulk of his career.

“He is as good as any of those I played with at the top level,” said Mark.

“I’ve made comments before about there being a fine margin in football between the guys who get the chance to go full-time, and those who go down a different path. I mentioned how good Harry Milne, Connor Scully and Blair Yule – who have spent the bulk of their careers with Cove – are as players.

“They are more than good enough to play at the highest level in this country.

“In some cases it’s about being in the right place at the right time and getting that bit of luck you need to get the opportunity to move up.

“But you could see in the games last season, like when we played Hibs in the Scottish Cup, that we have an abundance of boys who should be playing at a higher level, and Stuart is definitely one of them.

“That’s despite him being very different to a lot of the goalkeepers I have played with.

“Goalies are usually a special breed. If you were to walk into a dressing room you would normally be able to spot them straight away because they tend to be noisy and a bit bonkers.

“Stuart is a lot quieter, a bit of a thinker – but he does his job to the highest of standards, and that is what matters most, no matter what level you are playing at.”

The clash with the Pars is a friendly, but it will also be new manager Jim McIntyre’s first ninety minutes in charge, which Mark believes will ensure the Cove players treat it as they would any competitive encounter.

“First impressions count, so that makes it a huge game for all of us, not just Stuart. It’s always the same when a new manager comes in, we all start with a clean slate, and have to grab any opportunity to impress.

“I have crossed paths with Jim over the years, but this is the first time I have actually had the opportunity to play for him. I obviously spoke to a few mutual contacts, and everyone says he is a great guy and a good manager to play for, which is all any player can ask for.

“Even though it’s early days as far as pre-season goes, everyone will have the bit between their teeth because they will thinking if they do well, it could help them stay in the team when the season actually gets underway.

“I’m just glad we’ve been able to get stuck into a proper pre-season after seeing things disrupted over the last couple of years because of the Covid pandemic.

“This is my seventeenth pre-season, but my first as a part-time player, which presents a different challenge.

“But I’ve enjoyed it so far and I’m looking forward to working hard over the next few weeks so that I’m ready for when the competitive stuff starts.”

This afternoon’s encounter at Balmoral Stadium kicks-off at 1.00pm. Tickets can be bought HERE, or at the ticket office at the ground.

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