‘The Beast’ John Gemmell becomes a Warrior
1509hp61 cowdenbeath v elgin John Gemmell celebrates late equalizer
JOHN GEMMELL says he’s looking forward to hearing Stenhousemuir fans cheer him - because it will make a change.
The combative frontman seems to rub opposition fans up the wrong way during his jousts with centre-backs, and the Ochilview faithful have been no different in the past.
“It’s just another set of supporters who have given me abuse in the past,” he told The Falkirk Herald. “But I’m looking forward to them cheering me.
“I’ve had it a lot wherever I’ve played - the opposition fans give you stick, and that’s been the case when I’ve been playing against Stenny.
“But they’ll cheer me when I score - and I’m sure let me know when I’m not performing to standards!”
Gemmell nicknamed ‘The Beast’ because of his imposing physique, agreed a deal with Stenhousemuir on Tuesday afternoon, penning a one-year deal with assistant Kevin McGoldrick.
“I know the big man from my time at Queen’s Park,” McGoldrick told Heraldsport.
“He always looked good when he played against us last year. We’re delighted to sign him. He had a few offers from other clubs, but it helped that I knew him. He should fit in the team well. He gives us a different option up front. Obviously we’ve got Andy Rodgers and Stewart Kean, who should sign a new deal soon.”
“It’s been a long time coming,” added the 27-year-old. “We kept it down until I came back from holiday and I’m delighted it’s done now.
“There were other options on the table but this one was the right one for me.
“It’s not too far away from me - I work in the centre of Glasgow.
“I played at Montrose and had to go up once a week for training and that doesn’t work for anyone so this suited me, plus I feel I can win things at Stenhousemuir and get a medal around my neck come May.
“We’re going to be challenging at the top end of the table and I’m confident in the players already here - we can do well.
“I know Andy Rodgers from my time at Dumbarton and he moans just as much as I do on the park - and he’s already told me he’s looking forward to playing with me and playing off my knock-ons.
“That’s generally the way I play but I’ll be looking to pitch in with goals of my own - I usually look for double figures so I’ll be trying to hit between 10 and 15 as a minimum target.”
Gemmell sees his one-year deal as a chance to prove himself and earn another deal.
“The reality of football these days is that most deals at this level are one-year.
“There aren’t too many two-year deals going about.
“But I don’t mind that. In a way it is a job for me to prove myself and earn myself a second year and another contract.”
Before then though, there’s pre-season to contend with and Gemmell is relishing meeting up with Rodgers and his other new team-mates.
“As a young player you do dread the pre-season and the running, but as you get older you get used to it a bit more.
“I’ve kept myself in reasonable shape over the summer nad did a bit of work while I was away in Tenerife earlier in the month.
“I know I’m not going to be able to run the distances as far and as quickly as Andy Rodgers and guys like that, but I know what I can do and my own fitness, so I’m not dreading it, just looking forward to getting back into it at Stenhousemuir.
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Weather for Falkirk
Saturday 18 May 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 10 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
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