IN CONVERSATION WITH CHRIS HEGARTY - Match Programme - October 2009

Before joining Montrose, you had spells with Dundee, Peterhead and Arbroath, when you were at Dundee did you ever feel that you had more of an eye watching over you because of your father’s (Paul) time at United?

Yes, people did speak about me signing for the Dundee F.C but as far as I was concerned I wanted to be my own person and play professional football on my own merit. Another major factor on joining Dundee F.C was the first class coaching I received from Kenny Cameron, Ray Farningham and Stevie Campbell.
 
Coming from neighbours Arbroath to Montrose you must have seen something in the club or indeed the area that attracted you to Links Park?
I was attracted to Montrose F.C  for many reasons, the ambition of the board and management, the standard of players and depth of the squad, and  the great set up we have at Links Park. Not to mention the great lads and team spirit.
 
It has not always been plain sailing for you at the club, you struggled to settle at first, why was this?
When I arrived from Arbroath, I had a stop start season with them due to injuries, I had just recovered from a hernia operation the season before and had done my ankle ligaments in pre-season with Arbroath F.C , so I wasn’t as fit as I had hoped or needed to be. It also took me time to adjust to a new team and style of management.
 
Many people that I have spoken to before have had nothing but good things to say about how the club is run, how have you found it and how have you found the change of manager on so many occasions?
Well as I have previously said the set up at Montrose F.C is second to none which is credit to the board, Brian and Ronnie work tirelessly to ensure the team and everything behind the scenes runs like clockwork. Having changed manager on many occasions during my time here, it’s been hard for the players and has definitely affected the stability of the team.
 
You can play either at full back or on the left side of midfield, which do you prefer?
Yes I can either play right back, centre mid-midfield or right midfield, but as for left midfield, I think the gaffer would have Jim Moffat out there before me as my left peg is useless!!! But seriously I am happy to play anywhere the manager wants me to and I’ll give my all.
 
Already you have had high praise for you performances does this give you confidence for the season ahead?
Yes, I was generally happy with my personal performances last season especially when the gaffer (Steven Tweed) took over; he gave me a new lease of life and confidence in my ability. But as for this season I have started slow and have been disappointed with my form, I hope to recapture last seasons form and I’m working hard in training to ensure this.
 
Do you think the club can put the bad start to the season behind them and turn the corner eventually?
Yes, definitely as I have said previously said about my slow start to the season, it has been a slow start collectively as a team and the Gaffer and Jim have been working us hard in training on trying to eradicate the silly mistakes at the back and more positively working even harder on the offensive side of the team. So I’m sure with all the hard work coupled with the boys returning from injury, we’ll be up there challenging again.
 
Do you think that you have brought so many new players to the club and they are just taking time to settle in and eventually you will start to move up the table?
It’s hard for any player coming to a new club and it takes time to settle into new surroundings, with having so many new faces arrive you need time to gel, and hopefully in the coming weeks things will take shape.
 
Why has the start been so poor this season?
An accumulation of injuries to key players and not having sufficient time for the new players to gel. We have also been conceding very soft goals and playing poorly as a team.
 
Which teams do you think will be up challenging for the title this season?
Apart from ourselves, I’ve been impressed with East Stirling, a strong Forfar side and I’m sure Livingston will be up there come the end of the season.
 
Who should the fans look out for this season from Montrose?
Our skipper Hugh Davidson, Andy McNeil, Marek Tomana and big John Gemmell are big player’s for us. In terms of the young boys I’ve been impressed by Aaron Sinclair, John Maitland and Daryl Nicol so far.
 
What are your targets for the season?
To get promoted.
 
You are fans favourite at the club and signed a new deal with Montrose till 2011; can you win promotion with the club in this time?
Yes, definitely.
 
Are you looking forward to seeing your Dad back in the game with the Scotland set up (will you be asking him to put a word into George Burley for you?)
Yes it’s great from a personal and family point of view to see my dad back involved in the game. He has not had the best of luck managing and coaching at club level and at times has been at the right club at the wrong time. But his new role involves him working with the best players available and he understands what it takes to play for your country, and I know he feels incredibly privileged and honoured to be considered for such a prestigious position, and is delighted to be working alongside George Burley and Terry Butcher.