Amongst the summer signings at Millfield was 24-year-old goalkeeper Robbie Stirling, who returned to the club after a couple of seasons with Preston Athletic.
Robbie previously proved himself to be an able deputy to former goalkeeper Dale Cornet, making a significant and effective contribution to our 2021/22 Conference A title triumph – an experience he fondly remembers. Unfortunately, Robbie has been sidelined in recent weeks after picking up an injury in the pre-season fixture at Berwick Rangers. However, it’s expected that the heating engineer will compete for the gloves with Campbell McLellan in the season ahead. We recently spoke to Robbie and found out how pleased he is to return to Haddington Athletic.
How does it feel to be back?
“I was buzzing when I knew I had the chance to come back. From that moment, I knew it would happen. Last time I was here, it was brilliant. Everyone was class.
“I really enjoyed the experience, which is what football is about. I didn’t want to leave, but felt I had to go and get more games under my belt. As soon as I realised I could come back here, I knew I had to take the opportunity. It feels like I haven’t been away.
“It’s a nice, welcoming club. I had spoken to a few of the boys and they said that, although some players had left over the last couple of years, it was still the same environment. So it was a no-brainer.”
What are your hopes for the season ahead?
“We want to get as high as we can in the league. The club got to a cup final last year. We are aiming for that again but hopefully this time push over the line and win. In the league, hopefully we can finish higher. The sky is the limit. It’s a good squad. There’s competition for places, which is what you need and means everyone is fighting for it.
“You have to put in the performances. If you do well, you will play. Otherwise, you won’t be in the team. So you have to give it your all.”
What memories do you have of the 2021/22 season, when we won the First Division Conference A?
“It was a brilliant season. The whole year it felt like we could not be defeated. We wanted the games to keep coming. It was great in the changing room. I played quite a lot over the Christmas and New Year period. The celebrations when we won the title were different class.”
How have you developed as a player over the last two years?
“The past two seasons were about getting games under my belt. It was a good Preston team but we probably underachieved, which was annoying.
“We wanted to get promoted but we played good teams every week. It was a good experience and good team. We got to the League Cup Semi-Final where we met Haddington. It was not just about getting to play though; we wanted to get to the Premier Division. It would have been good to have done that with Preston – it’s probably what we should have achieved.”
When you’re not playing football, what other interests do you have?
“I go to the gym when I can. I did try golf but wasn’t very good at it! I’ve not played this summer. I go to Hearts games when I can, if I’ve not got a game to play myself.”
Did you have any footballing heroes?
“Craig Gordon was the keeper I wanted to be like. What a career he has had. As for outfield players at Hearts, I was a fan of Rudi Skacel. On the international stage, Casillas was probably my favourite goalkeeper.”
Have you always been a goalkeeper?
“When we went to play 11-a-side, I didn’t grow so played outfield for a few seasons. Then eventually I had the chance to go back in goal again.”
But you did play outfield for the Hi Hi’s?
“Yes, I did play outfield for Haddington in a friendly. I think that’s quite unique – for a goalkeeper to play outfield!”
What has been the highlight of your footballing career?
“I think winning the Conference A probably was the highlight. It was just after COVID. Everyone was glad to get back playing and we wanted to kick on and win. The changing room was buzzing. I also won the Foyle Cup when I was younger with Hearts – that was a good achievement.”
