TWO Hill of Beath Hawthorn stalwarts, who played more than 700 games between them, will be honoured by the club this Sunday (April 28).

A testimonial for long-serving former goalkeeper Stuart Hall, and long-time defender Rikki Dair, will be held at Keirs Park, involving the current Haws team, who will take on a Haws All-Stars side, with a 2pm kick-off.

Cowdenbeath man, Rikki Dair, played 353 games for the Keirs Parkers, and scored 18 goals, as the club challenged for the East Super League title in the junior ranks, and then stepped up to the seniors by joining the East of Scotland League.

Central Fife Times: Rikki Dair played 353 games for the Haws.Rikki Dair played 353 games for the Haws. (Image: Contributed)

The Haws general manager, Jock Finlayson, was the man who signed Rikki for the club during his 40 years as team boss at Keirs Park, and described him as "an outstanding central defender".

A joiner to trade, Rikki played his youth football with Cowdenbeath Central, Blue Brazil Boys Club, Woodside 17s in Glenrothes, and at under 19 level with Thornton Hibs, then Rosyth Recreation Under 21s, before signing for Hill of Beath Hawthorn in 2007.

Jock recalled: “As he came through the youth ranks he looked a really solid defender, and he became a fixture in the side and also captain.

“He played for us for 13 seasons, and he was a member of the team which won the East of Scotland Cup in 2015, the only cup which the Haws had entered and not won until that great day, when we beat Bo'ness United in the final.

“Rikki, who is now 35, was a real stalwart in our defence throughout his career, which he decided to end in 2020 after a series of injuries, and he always had the utmost respect for his team mates and opponents.

“He never missed a training session and hated missing a game through injury.”

Central Fife Times: Stuart Hall played 420 times for Hill of Beath Hawthorn.Stuart Hall played 420 times for Hill of Beath Hawthorn. (Image: Contributed)

Jock also signed Stuart Hall, who played for Raith Rovers, Thornton Hibs, Montrose and the Haws. 

Stuart arrived at Keirs Park in 2009, and made his debut away to Bathgate and went on to play 420 games, recording 101 shut outs.

Recalled Jock: “It didn’t take long to realise that we had signed a top-top goalkeeper, and during his many class performances he became known simply as 'The Cat'.

“Every defender who played alongside Stuart was ultra confident that in our last line of our defence we had the best.  

“He had the great distinction of being named Player of the Year for seasons 2011/12 and 2017/18.

“At the end of season 2022/23  Stuart decided to retire, ending what can only be described as a fantastic, memorable football journey. We will see Stuart enjoy his big day this Sunday. 

“All at the Haws would like to wish Stuart, Michelle , Kayden, Jessica and Danny the best of health and happiness for the future.”