Topic People
Date 24 Jan 2023
One of Morrison's own has been involved in one of the biggest upsets in Scottish Cup history, as part of the Darvel FC team that last night beat former European trophy winners Aberdeen in the fourth round of the competition.
Ian McShane is a Quantity Surveyor for Morrison Construction’s Environment business by day, but, in his spare time, plays as a midfielder for Ayrshire-based Scottish Junior Club Darvel, in the West of Scotland Premier Division.
After being drawn against Premiership side Aberdeen, who famously won the European Cup Winners Cup under Sir Alex Ferguson in the 1980s, Darvel overcame the odds to pull off a famous victory against a team 56 places above them in the Scottish league system.
Ian commented: “We went into the game knowing we had to play our best and work together as a team and that’s exactly what we did. The support we had from our fans was incredible, the entire community came together and helped us get through to the next round.”
Before joining Morrison Construction, Ian played football professionally with Queen of the South, taking in spells with Ross County and St Mirren, before finishing his professional career with Falkirk in 2020. Ironically, Darvel will now face Ian’s former club Falkirk in the fifth round of the Cup.
Steve Slessor, Managing Director of Galliford Try and Morrison’s Environment businesses, commented: “I’d like to pass on my congratulations to Ian and the team at Darvel for their magnificent performance last night, knocking professional side Aberdeen out of the Scottish Cup. Ian is a well-respected team player both on and off the pitch and a great example of someone who has changed career and continued to lead a successful, rewarding working life. We are proud to be supporting his development and growing his career with us as a Quantity Surveyor under our Morrison Construction brand.”
“We are all very proud of Ian and his team and wish Darvel all the best in the next round up against Ian’s old club Falkirk – here’s hoping he can remember their tactics!”