Clydebank manager Gordon Moffat has paid tribute to Jamie Darroch, after the defender announced he will retire from playing at the end of the season.
JD, who has made almost half of his 206 Clydebank appearances under Moff’s management, made the announcement on Wednesday ahead of the club being presented with the Premier Division trophy at home to Glenafton on Saturday.
Moff commented: “Jamie and Nicky are the two who have been with me and the staff since we came in at the start and we’ve been through a lot. Jamie will tell you that, certainly in our first season or two it was tough. We were trying to build something, and he has been an integral part of that.
“Jamie has been a big player for us for a number of years now and played in a lot of the big occasions for the club. Off the top of my head, the Clyde game springs to mind when he scored and put in a big performance, but he’s had some huge performances over the years.
“This season we have gradually moved him towards that hybrid staff role. Unfortunately he got a pretty bad ankle injury over at Gartcairn on the first day of the season and by his own admission he’s found it tough to get back in a really good team who have just gone and won a league Championship.
“I think it’s just naturally happened for J, there was no pressure from me to step down because I’d love to still have him be part of the squad but he’s just decided it’s the right time. He has been a fantastic servant for the club and fantastic for me, both on and off the pitch as well as in and out of football. He’s become a personal friend and I’m just delighted he’s going to be part of my staff going forward.
“He is a big personality, but in the perfect way for coming onto my staff. I wouldn’t say he’s big or loud in the dressing room and he doesn’t shout his mouth off, he’ll speak at the right times and when things need to be said. He watches a lot, sees a lot and can pick up on things I don’t at times.
“He has been magnificent around this club even well before my time as manager, but he has been a terrific player for us and is a terrific person to have around us.”
