MORE than 200 people packed out the Volunteer Hall in Galashiels last Friday for the star-studded launch of the Gala Fairydean Rovers Hall of Fame Awards.

Former Scottish international stars John Collins and Alfie Conn Junior joined John “Yogi” Hughes, Braw Lad Greg Robertson and dozens of local footballing greats at the sold out event.

The club used the awards ceremony to recognise sporting heroes from the past, reward the current crop of players at the club and outline its vision for the future.

Local footballing legends such as John Collins, Davie Watkins, Kevin Matheson and Ronnie Frizzel were inducted into the inaugural Hall of Fame whilst members of the clubs community engagement programme and Lowland League first team were also recognised for their efforts during the season.

Former favourites from both the Fairydean and the Rovers including Tam Cornwall and Alan Jack joined sponsors, supporters and current players at the ceremony.

Host of the ceremony, and club secretary Graeme McIver said: "We are delighted that the inaugural Hall of Fame Awards has been such a great success.

"Over 200 tickets for the event sold out last week and the evening proved to be a celebration of all that has been achieved at the club in recent years whilst recognising the role of local footballing legends of the past.

"I would like to thank those members of the public who contacted the club and myself to suggest nominations and to provide us with a wealth of information about players and teams from the past."

The evening began with awards to members of the club’s Community Engagement Programme.

The GFR Disability Squad were rewarded for a superb season that saw them finish runners up in the Scottish PAN National Disability League last year.

The Gala Fairydean Rovers Walking Football team selected their Players of the Year at a time where they sit proudly on top of the newly launched Scottish National League, having enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season.

There was also recognition for members of the newly formed GFR Ladies squad who are in the process of completing the registration process with the Scottish Women’s FA.

The club confirmed that next season they will be re-entering a development side into the Border Amateur League bringing the total number of players at the club to well over 300 when member of the club’s junior and youth sections are taken into account.

The club is now one of the biggest sporting organisations in the region.

Steven Noble’s first team finished as the top Borders side in the Lowland League for the third season in succession and selected a number of players to receive an award.

On loan Glasgow Rangers goalkeeper Kieran Wright won Player’s Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year whilst former Airdrie star Darren Smith won the Player of the Year Award.

Ex-Fulham striker Stuart Noble finished as the club’s top scorer for the fourth season in succession.

A delighted Kieran Wright told us: "I didn't expect that in my first year. The boys have really helped me to fit into the club and they have done a really good job in helping me progress.

"It has been a great season for me personally. My best season. Obviously coming down here and getting the experience has been really good for me.

"Now I'll be going back (to Rangers) after a bit of a break and we'll see what's happening with Rangers and see what they have got planned."

It was also a special evening for manager Noble.

He added: "It has been absolutely fantastic. It's an honour to be manager of this club. There's a lot of folk at this club that work so hard behind the scenes.

"We've got legends like Ronnie Frizzle, Dusty Miller, Davie Watkins, Jabo Grey and other guys that have put a lot of work in over the years and they've not been fully appreciated and I think tonight is an appreciation of that work that goes on on and off the pitch.

"I'm delighted with how that night has gone and I'm delighted for all my players who got awards, and for the other guys too.

"I really appreciate the effort and all the hard work they have put in over the past year.

"We've had some great days and some brilliant results and some not so good results and days, but one thing I am proud of is the players' bounce-back ability."

Former Hibs, Celtic, Everton, Monaco, Fulham and Scotland star John Collins became the first person to be inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame; while former Rangers, Celtic, Tottenham Hotspur and Scotland star Alfie Conn junior picked up an award for his late Father Alfie senior, presented by Braw Lad Greg Robertson.

David “Dusty” Miller, Ronnie Frizzel, Jim “Jabo” Gray and Davie Watkins were inducted for their success with Gala Fairydean whilst Jimmy Tyson, Kevin Matheson and Bryan Templeton were rewarded for glittering careers with Gala Rovers.

Architect of the Historic Scotland A-Listed stand at Netherdale, Peter Womersley was inducted along with former Chair of the Fairydean Matty Hall.

The invincible Gala Rovers side from the 1953/53 season became the first team in the Hall of Fame, but were joined by the Fairydean team of 1961/62 soon after.

Alan Allison, George McGill and Alan Jack were awarded life membership of the club in recognition of their contributions to the club and its predecessors.

Chairman Kevin Temple thanked a number of local businesses including the club’s main sponsor 5 Star Taxi’s, major club sponsors Ostles Tyres, Zest Blinds and Border Pharmacy, event sponsor Trophy Guy, supporter of the Community Awards Live Borders, Rox Jewellery, MD Weddings and Events, The Auld Mill and a number of other local companies who had helped in preparations for the evening.

The event will now be an annual celebration with new members being inducted into the Hall of Fame each year.