New Righmond signing Andrew Doig has described his move from Kingston to Kevin Bartlett Reserve as a “tough decision.”
Having been out of the top flight for a number of years now, mainly due to the lifestyle switch from Scotland and securing a stable lifestyle in Australia, he said he was looking forward to the challenge of playing at the newly promoted side.
“Football is important to me, it’s my passion playing and analysing, but had to put work and my girlfriend first, until I had stabilised my life here in Australia,” Doig said.
“The goal at Richmond this year is to play and have fun, do as we have trained, have urgency with and without the ball and work as hard as we can every single week and we might surprise a lot of people.”
Originally from Scotland, Doig played his youth football at the Heart of Midlothian FC academy, then transferred to Livingston FC in his mid teens.
He was there on a professional youth contract until the club hit administration, where he made the decision to play part time and get a trade as a carpenter.
Doig moved to Australia in 2010 where he played at Shepparton South SC for a year whilst doing regional work, before making the switch to Hume City – Lou Asevski was the captain at the time.
The midfielder then had a few brief stints at Brunswick and Sunshine George Cross, but found his way to Kingston for two and a half seasons.
He paid tribute to Nick Tolios and Kingston City for his time at the club.
“They [Kingston] looked after me, I had some great years there. I met friends I will have for life from that experience. I was always proud when I played for Kingston,” he said.
“Nick Tolios is a great friend and coach. Every game I played I fought for him, he makes you do that because he shows you so much heart and passion that you have to repay him.”
“I wish the playing group all the best for the season and I’m sure they will turn a few heads this year.
Having now signed for Richmond, Doig says he looks forward to playing top flight football again and helping the club survive in its first season back in the NPL from NPL 2, and has already been impressed by the players and staff at the club.
“They have been very welcoming and have some real good young talent and I think I will fit in well with the energy and commitment the players show at Richmond,” he says.
“Rick has been great, very honest and has a clear style and clear expectations which suit me perfectly – I will enjoy working with him.
“I am also super keen to work with Fausto. In my first few months their he has impressed me with his level of coaching. His passion and drive is contagious. His ability to implement Rick’s style through so much variety is exciting and I think he can get the best out of me also the group.
“Mike Peterson is very passionate also and his experience speaks for itself. His heart felt honesty is need to keep people thinking and on their toes, with Rick, Fausto, Mick and Nick Crevelli we have a great coaching staff there.”
Image: Mark Avellino