Former England international Alan Shearer is backing Montrose to win their fight to stay in the senior ranks of Scottish football.
The prolific striker turned pundit was in Laurencekirk yesterday to open a Speedflex gym and work out with locals on the specialist sports equipment.
He spared a thought for the Gable Endies and their crucial weekend tie at home to Brora Rangers as they hope to overturn a 1-0 deficit to win and hang on to their Scottish League Two status.
Shearer said: “I’ll say good luck to them.
“I won’t say enjoy it because it will be tough to enjoy unless they are in a winning position. But good luck to them and I hope they do it.”
Established in 1879, Montrose have been a national league outfit for 92 years but their form this year set them adrift at the foot of SPFL 2.
Nevertheless, a convincing win at Links Park by Paul Hegarty’s men will help to wipe away the bad memories of this season.
Shearer was at the Speedflex Centre, previously the Newlife Fitness Club that won young business of the year at The Courier Business Awards 2013.
The former Newcastle, Blackburn Rovers and Southampton star is an ambassador for Speedflex brand.
With its specialist machines, Speedflex Europe Ltd operates fitness centres in Newcastle, Leeds, London, and West Byfleet, as well as Dubai, Texas and now Laurencekirk.
Former England skipper Shearer, who scored more than 400 goals for club and country, took part in two 30-minute workout sessions with club members.
He said: “The Speedflex machine is useable to everyone of all ages and all sizes and it’s great for me personally.
“Because of the pains I have in my ankles, knees and back, I can’t use normal gyms but with this I can work out as hard as the next person and keep in shape and keep healthy.”
Depending on form, Shearer’s next appearance in Courier Country might be a little more leisurely.
He has previously competed in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and he has not ruled out appearing at the event again later this year.