On Wednesday afternoon we announced that Club Captain, Ryan Roche, had agreed a two year extension to his current deal that will keep him at Laing Park until the end of the 23/24 season.
This afternoon we managed to have a chat with Ryan and started off by congratulating him on a new deal before asking him for his thoughts on the extension
“Thank you very much. Yeah I am delighted to sign a new deal with the club, it was a no brainer for me when the gaffer mentioned it a few weeks ago. Its an easy decision when you consider the calibre of people at the club , players, coaches and committee members. I also got a bit of a shock when the gaffer told me I’m a couple of years away from a testimonial!!”
There is a good vibe about the club, what makes it so special ?
“Yeah there is a good feeling about the club, to be honest I would say its been like that for the past couple of years. We are an incredibly close group of lads and that certainly helps, its the best changing room since I’ve been at the club. I keep saying it, but everyone behind the scenes as well, they’re the unsung heroes. We wouldn’t be where we are without them.”
What are you personal targets at the club ?
“I would love to lift a trophy for Carnoustie and hopefully that is just around the corner. Other than that, playing at the highest level I possibly can, hopefully that is getting into the Highland League with Carnoustie and keeping fit are my main goals.”
We all know you are a big Toffee but Everton in to the Champions League or Carnoustie getting in to the Highland League ?
“Tough one but I think Highland League with Carnoustie just edges it. Playing in that league with the dressing room we have got at the moment would be special. There would be some smokers on the bus back from some lengthy away games!!”
You have had more than your fair share of injuries over your time at the club, how tough is that ?
“I have indeed, too many for my liking to be honest. The first knee surgery I had was the hardest without a shadow of a doubt. It can be a very dark and lonely place when you’re sitting on the side lines and the boys are at training or playing, at times you don’t feel a part of it. I think because I had already gone through one knee surgery, dealing with the second was a lot easier as I knew what was expected, which was a massive positive.”
