Darrin Wright Testimonial August 2018
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Darrin Wright ... Life story with the Haws
After several weeks of negotiations a deal was struck with East Fife F.C. to bring Darrin to Keirs Park . He made his debut on 28th October 2000 in a 8 - 1 win away to Kirkcaldy YM. Darrin scored with a header, the first of many goals.
THE TEAM for the record was as follows:-
M.Graham, B.Kenny, S,O’Neill, J.Mitchell, J.Wright, L.Dair, B.Smith, D.Sinclair, Darrin, C.Smart, M.Thomson
At the end of his debut season he won his first junior trophy a 2 - 0 win against Oakley Utd in the Interbrew Cup. The 2002/03 season saw the reorganisation of the East Region Junior League with The Haws taking there place in the new Super League. During that first season ‘Haws’ strike force of Daz, Smarty and Sash went on to terrorise opposing defences, they scored a total of 77 goals between them.
Daz notching on 21 occasions. During his first 5 seasons he won a total of 11 Trophies. In all he won 17 trophies including The Haws first ever East Of Scotland Cup in 2015.
In 2008 he suffered a serious leg break, and for a long time it was touch and go whether he would ever play again. But being the man he is, he battled back to fitness although it took time to get his confidence back. He returned to his best form and became a major player once more.
It was in 2011 that Jock moved him back into the defence that for many at the club is where Daz excelled, arguably playing the best and most consistent football of his career. As a defender he had everything - strength , bravery , tackling ability, excellent in the air, cool under pressure, but above all he could play and pass well - all in all a clever footballer as well as a skilful one.
During his 15 seasons he could play anywhere, making him a managers dream. He became one of the most consistent and reliable performers at the Haws and very much respected by all who played alongside him. During his time at the club he had the great honour of being club Captain. Sadly at the end of 2014/15 season he decided to retire after 15 fantastic years. He accepted a Player/Coach post at the club in 2016/17.
As a mark of recognition for Darrin's loyalty to the Haws a Testimonial match between
Hill Of Beath Hawthorn Legends and a DAFC legends XI team was played on 5th August 2018.
Hill of Beath Select v's Dunfermline Athletic Legends XI
Haws Legends Team:- Stuart Hall, Colin Campbell, Brian Dempster, Ally Gray, Paul MacBride, Roger Duffin, Stewart Haddow, Barry Smith,
Craig Smart, Rikki Dair, John Mitchell, Craig Noble, Martyn Thomson, Lee Dair, Michael Gemmell, Ross Allum, Andy Roberts, Ally Campbell,
Stevie McInroy, Greig Meikle, Darrin Wright, Masson Wright. Manager:- Kevin Fotheringham
DAFC Legends XI:- Davie Westwood, Jason Dair, Gary Mason, Scott Thomson, Marvin Andrews, Pat Scullion, David Bingham,
Graeme Robertson, Darren Young, Stevie Crawford, Graham Bayne, John Watson, Greg Ross, Andy Tod, Stuart Petrie, Colin Cameron
Hamish French, Lee Sibanda. Manager:- Jim Leishman
Darrin walking through the guard of honour at the start of the game with mascots son and daughter Masson & Sasha Wright.
Scorers (Haws) - Martyn Thomson, Barry Smith, Darren Wright, Masson Wright
Scorers (Pars) - Lee Sibanda 2
A big thank you to all the players, past and present, fans and the Pars Legends for turning out to honour a Haws Legend
