A heartfelt account from Bryan Hay after facing Rangers in the Scottish Cup.
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Facing Rangers: A Dream Come True
For many footballers, playing against a beloved team is a dream come true, and for Bryan Hay, a long-serving centre-half for Fraserburgh, that dream was realized when he faced Rangers at Ibrox in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup.
Despite the 5-0 defeat, Hay described the experience as the pinnacle of his career, a moment he will cherish forever.
Emotions Run High
At 35 years old, Hay has dedicated a significant part of his life to football, making his debut in December 2006.
After the match, he expressed his emotions candidly, stating, “I was Mr Emotional at the end.” The disappointment of the scoreline was overshadowed by the pride he felt for his teammates and the unforgettable experience of playing in front of 36,000 fans at Ibrox. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he added, highlighting the significance of the match for him as a lifelong Rangers supporter.
Support from Fans
The atmosphere at Ibrox was electric, with 1,800 Fraserburgh fans traveling to support their team. Hay praised the away support, calling it “different class.” He noted that their enthusiasm was palpable, with fans celebrating every challenge and throw-in. “It was great to see and it was great to go over to see them all at the end,” he remarked, emphasizing the bond between the players and their supporters.
Memories to Last a Lifetime
Despite the loss, Hay left Ibrox with a special souvenir: the shirt of Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers, who scored a hat-trick during the match. Hay humorously recounted his experience marking Dessers, saying, “Kieran Simpson had to mark him more than me – I managed to get his top after the game which was the only time I got near him!” This moment encapsulated the spirit of the match, where even in defeat, there were memories to be made and cherished.
A Gracious Encounter
Hay also reflected on the graciousness of the Rangers players, who took the time to interact with the Fraserburgh squad after the match. “Everyone I spoke to was great,” he said, noting that the Rangers players were generous with their time, signing autographs and taking photos. This camaraderie on the pitch, despite the competitive nature of the game, showcased the respect that exists within the sport.
