East Stirlingshire stalwart Derek Ure is set to receive a presentation ahead of today’s clash with Spartans for making an incredible 400 appearances for Shire.
It’s a rare achievement in modern football to reach so many games for a single club and is only the third player in Shire history to do so as he closes in on Peter Steele’s record of 446 games. Ure joined East Stirlingshire in 2002, making his debut at Hampden against Queen’s Park and has gone on to be one of the clubs best central midfielders.
He was awarded a testimonial against Falkirk at the end of the 2010/11 season for his services to the club as he netted 29 goals during his first stint at Firs Park/Ochilview. Some highlights included impressive runs in the Scottish Cup, reaching the fourth round and travelling to Ibrox in 2008.
For the start of 2011/12, he joined Camelon Juniors before returning to Shire for the beginning of the Lowland League journey and has played 47 times in the league since. He was appointed captain after joining for his second spell and has been an integral part of Shire’s midfield.
The loyal 33 year old midfielder has found the back of the net three times in the league so far this campaign. Ure has started 324 games for East Stirling and came off the bench on 76 occasions, with that big 400 match milestone coming in a 4-1 win over Dalbeattie Star at the end of January as part of Shire’s current 17 game unbeaten run they’ll be looking to extend today at Ochilview Park.
Ronan Alexander – with thanks to Drummond Calder of East Stirlingshire.
