By Sean Duthart

8.30 am – The hard wakeup call

No alarm today.  I was woken up by my four-month-old son starting his own podcast in his crib next to the bed. Saturday means only thing, gameday. My work starts long before the whistle blows at 2pm. A quick browse on my phone and on the socials for the club. Gaffer has text in the staff group chat, “everyone ok for today and know what they’re doing?” my job today is Easterhouse midfielder Jamie Taggart. Scott and Rab want eyes on him to see if he can play at a higher level and if he would suit our style of play.

10 am – Prep and the pitch check

Breakfast is a strong Mocha and a pie from the bakers. Going into the “office” at Kilsyth’s makeshift home, as we are halfway through developing and making the park into a ground. Watching back highlights from the previous Saturday’s loss to struggling and bottom of the league Calley Locos. We lacked any fight, grit and dig in the middle. Losing that kind of game wasn’t as shocking as you would like to believe. We need a big bruiser in the middle of the park.

11.30 am – Journey to Easterhouse

From Kilsyth, Easterhouse isn’t a far drive. In the car I have BBC Scotland on, more to the point “Of the Ball” with Tam Cowan and Stuart Cosgrove. Thinking to myself will it be a decent game or will I even see this boy play? Every player at this level is an important piece to an ever-changing puzzle.

12.15 – Getting my bearings

Arriving at the Stepford sports centre nestled in the middle of one the busiest roads in Glasgow.  Free entry with my committee card is always a bonus. Finding a place at the side isn’t an issue as the club are averaging 100 or 200 fans. Checking social media waiting for team lineups and seeing if the boy is starting. Last time I was at this park I was watching a team not a player which ended up 7-0 to Maryhill.

2.00 – Kick-Off

The game kicks off. I can immediately notice him in his bright orange boots, socks down to his ankles and the tiniest shin pads I’ve ever seen, like an air pod case tucked into his socks. Taggart picks the ball up Zidane esc and pings it 30 yards to the wingback.

2.30 – Big test

Overall, I’m thinking to myself he can play. From picking the ball on the half turn to digging in and winning the 50-50’s. The boy clatter’s Taggart in the box, only one decision, penalty. Taggart was the only option to hit the spot kick. The Panenka was the cheeky but obvious choice, and he duly delivers, 1-0.

2.45 – Halftime

After the goal the game was quiet. Halftime came and the small cheer from the home faithful rang out in the cold windy East end of Glasgow. Pie and a tea please. Patiently waiting for the second half starting.

3.05 – Second half underway

The wind picks up, so the game became even more of a slog. The game starts living up the pre match hopes. Hard tackles and refs falling over, Scottish Junior football at his best. 

3.25 – The final chance

As the game peters on, one more chance I’m thinking to myself. The boy stood out in a boring physical battle. One on one’s are difficult at the best of times, but with that gale force winds behind him it made it less than a 50% score rate. Base of the post and keeper saves. Unlucky but he has shown me enough.

3.40 – Game over

The game finishes 1-0 to Easterhouse. The maybe so 80 odd people let out a clear cheer as the players walk off. Jamie’s penalty goal was enough to secure the points against a well drilled unlucky Lugar Boswell side. The crowds disperse and I gather my thoughts and now my freezing half-drunk cup of tea for the bin.

5.00 – Home

Sitting down to a word document can be boring at the best of times but now I must write up a detailed report to send to the gaffers at my club. I started by saying can the boy make the step up to our team. Well yes, he would vastly improve our talented but lack of dig and creativity in midfield. He won’t be making moves to premier league outfits anytime soon, but he will bring fight and flair into the midfield. It’s a yes from me. Now up to the guys in charge if they want to take a chance on a young prospect who plays well above his age and skill level. Now back to being a dad.