Let's consider the tale of the young Scottish goalkeeper, Andy McNeil. Born in Scotland on 29 March 2001, which for those concerned about such trivialities, places him at 23 years of age. Currently stationed between the sticks for Raith Rovers, this 6ft 1in (1.86m) tall and 11st(70kg) figure indeed cuts out an imposing shape. Very characteristic of the number 13 jersey he adorns. Remarkably, the diligent folks over at Transfermarkt peg his current market value at a sum around £45k. It's important to add the young lad's contract with Raith Rovers has a measly 4 months left to run, set to display the expiry date of 31 May 2025 sooner rather than later.
For a bit of a heartwarming nostalgia, let's rummage through the memory banks of yesteryears. It was a quaint month of July in 2018 when young McNeil embarked on his footballing journey, joining Airdrieonians in the Scottish Championship as a trainee. Evidently ready for laborious weekends with a bunch of veterans past their prime and eager younglings dreaming to be the next big thing.
In a twist of fate, or rather club policy, our hero moved on from Airdrieonians to Berwick Rangers in July 2020, only to return again to his former abode in March 2021, but this time as a loanee. You see, the unpredictable and farcical world of football never ceases to bemuse one and all.
The comedy of errant loan spells didn't end there. In short order, McNeil found himself back at Berwick Rangers in June 2021. You could say, he was getting more loans than a debt-ridden businessman. Still, that's the bittersweet symphony of football, isn't it?
Nevertheless, July 2022 saw McNeil making yet another move, signing for Raith Rovers. In his debut season, he managed to notch up a grand total of two first team appearances. Woefully, in his second season, he was stuck on repeat, managing another two top team appearances. This current season? Let's just say the stadium seats are having more play than McNeil.
In a constant cycle of loan moves, McNeil graced Edinburgh City with his services in July 2023, only to return to Raith Rovers in September 2023, and much like a yo-yo, found himself back at Edinburgh City again in November 2023, but only until January 2024. I'd wager the lad has spent more time packing and unpacking his kit bag than on the actual bloody pitch.
Despite the cruel hand fate has dealt him, McNeil's journey on and off the pitch paints a poignant picture of football's unforgiving theatre.
