I OUTWITTED GRETNA BUT I'VE TURNED INTO A FARN

RAY FARNINGHAM achieved the rare feat of twice plotting Gretna's downfall this season.

Now he'll be cheering them on in the Final tomorrow after being headhunted as their chief European scout.

Farningham joined the Raydale Park outfit from Forfar where, as boss, he masterminded two of only four defeats suffered by Gretna on the way to the Division Two title.

Farningham said: "It's funny how things work out in football.

"Rowan Alexander and Davie Irons weren't too happy when Forfar beat them to end their long unbeaten record at home in the league and then we defeated them again at Station Park.

"But now the boot's on the other foot and I'll be cheering them on in the Final. I won't be at Hampden as I have a prior engagement but you can bet I'll find a TV somewhere to shout on the boys."

Farningham has been mates with Irons since they starred together for Partick Thistle in the Premier Division in the early 1990s.

Farningham is grateful to the duo for keeping him involved in football when he was the victim of cuts at Dundee last summer after 12 years'service.

"Jinky", as he's nicknamed, said: "Rowan and Davie sent me to watch their opposition when I was out of football.

"It was just a little thing at the time but they made me feel part of everything that was going on.

"People talk about the money side of things but that doesn't even begin to explain the work that's gone on at the club. You can see by the way the team plays everything is right from the very top.

"The team spirit is fantastic and any successful side needs that in abundance."

Farningham won't be surprised if Gretna give Hearts the fright of their lives by running them closer than anyone might imagine.

The 45-year-old, who along with Stevie Campbell helped build the renowned Dens Park youth policy, said: "Everyone seems to think Hearts are a stick-on but you never know what could happen in a one-off situation.

"I think Gretna have more than enough experience to make sure they don't freeze on the day.

"Knowing Rowan and Davie, they'll have the players thoroughly prepared. They'll leave no stone unturned in their build-up but the emphasis will be on what they do rather than Hearts might do.

"I'll be phoning the boys to wish them all the best before the game.

"There's a first time for everything and Gretna's first-ever final could turn out to be memorable."

Taken from the Daily Record