Penicuik Athletic Retirements announced
Penicuik
Athletic
Established 1888
Our captain Ryan McCallum joined the Cuikie prior to the start of the 2013/14 season and has led the line with
distinction ever since, scoring 67 times in 125 appearances so far, arguably the most memorable one being his strike
in last season's Conservatory Converters Fife & Lothians Cup Final victory.
Ryan Gay is our longest serving player, having signed in September 2007 and has been an integral part in the club's
growth over the eleven seasons he has spent at Penicuik Park, scoring 60 times in his 311 appearances in the blue
and white, the most in the modern era.
Ryan made the following statement on his Twitter earlier last week:
'At 30 years old and after 12 years of playing Junior Football, I have decided this will be my last season. Although relatively
still young and possibly having 4 or 5 more years, I always said that when I stop enjoying my football then I will stop playing
which is now. I have played with and against some outstanding players over the years and can hang my boots up with pride
looking back at my junior career. Penicuik Athletic have been my club for the last eleven years and a place in my heart it will
always have. Every Penicuik manager since our rebirth in 2002 has come and gone during my time here and each and
everyone I can honestly say have played a great part of my journey here, most notably Willie McGinley and Craig Meikle, who
both managed to bring that bit extra out of me, especially during our League winning season to get us to the Super League.
I joined Penicuik as a raw 19 year old trying to help a lower Premier League team stay in the division, and now I leave the
club as a top Super League club and a Cup winning team. I also leave with the most appearances of any Penicuik player in
modern times which again is something I am very proud of holding. I would also like to thank the Penicuik committee who I
have a fantastic relationship with and great admiration for. Lastly I would like to thank the Penicuik supporters who have been
great to me over the years. Although Penicuik are losing a player they have gained a fan. Best of luck to Johnny and the team
going forward into future season. Thanks for all the memories together.'
Billy Bald has also played a big part in Penicuik's recent history, with the goalkeeper making 257 appearances
over two spells at Penicuik Park, having initially signed from St Mirren in 2002.
Finally Steven Noble made the move to Penicuik from Newtongrange Star last summer and has been a key
member of the defence since, having made 29 appearances so far.
The club thanks each and everyone one of them on their service to Penicuik Athletic
and wishes them all the very best in their future endeavours. Thank you for everything.