Kerr Waddell has praised the Links Park Dynamo for helping make memories at Championship-chasing Montrose.
Montrose have finished in a Championship play-off spot for four successive years and are gunning for promotion again.
They have just fallen short every time but have continued to grow their infrastructure each year.
Waddell works for Montrose Community Trust and spent time at Hampden earlier this week on a course with other top clubs.
And he believes Montrose’s positive impact on the local area is reaping loyalty rewards from the fans.
MIGHTY MO PLAYES JOIN FORCES WITH ‘CHANGING ROOM’ TO SUPPORT MOVEMBER
Players of Montrose FC have come together with members of Montrose Community Trust’s Changing Room programme to support Movember, a leading charity changing the face of men’s health. pic.twitter.com/VzaxF0xzAp
— Montrose FC (@MontroseFC) November 6, 2022
Montrose crashed out of the Scottish Cup with a shock 5-2 loss to Darvel last week but fans refused to turn on their team at full-time.
“I genuinely believe our fans are more patient than they are at a lot of other clubs,” said Waddell, who will return from a sick bug to face Alloa on Saturday.
“We have a fantastic relationship with the fans and it makes such a difference.
“They appreciate just how hard everyone at this club is working to bring success.
“I think our support base among younger fans is growing too. I’m seeing a lot more Montrose tops in the town.
“When I coach the youngsters it’s all Montrose tops. They have a lot numbers on the back for their favourite player – 7, 9 and there are even a few 5s for me.
“I’ve yet to see a number 8 for Paul Watson but I’m sure someone must have one!
“But in all seriousness, they are always asking me ‘What’s Graham Webster like? What’s it like playing with Terry Masson?’
“It’s great to see and it shows the kids are invested in their local team.
“I’ve seen the impact back in Arbroath. I have cousins who had never been to a game before last year but now they go every week and have all the kits.
Montrose's new signing looks handy…and fascinated with @Waddell_Kerr's head! 🙇♂️#SPFLTrustTrophy 🏆 pic.twitter.com/R0ekYzUU1R
— SPFL Trust (@SPFLTrust) September 24, 2022
“They absolutely love Bobby Linn and this is what clubs like Montrose and Arbroath should be all about.
“We’ve come close to promotion via the play-offs a few times in recent years.
“At Morton we lost a goal in extra-time with virtually the last kick of the ball.
“Last year in the play-offs we were 4-1 up on aggregate at Aidrieonians but still lost.
“It’s hard to take but it shows we aren’t far away and we’ll keep pushing again this year.”
Kerr Waddell back in squad
Waddell missed Montrose’s clash with Darvel last week through a sickness bug.
And he found the experience of keeping tabs on the 5-2 defeat from afar incredibly frustrating.
“I was ill last week,” said Waddell. “I had to keep tabs of our score on Sky Sports.
“Every time there was a goal flash I was hoping it was for Montrose but it was tough day for us.
“I’m not saying I would have changed the scoreline but I wish I could have been there to help out.”
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