Threave Rovers 5, Larkhall Thistle 0

As you approach Meadow Park in Castle Douglas, there’s an undeniable sense of anticipation in the air, for a significant and delicate matter awaits.

Reflecting on Threave Rovers’ recent performance and prospects, it’s essential to honor their past. The team recently lost a beloved player, Charlie Watson, who was a key figure in the dressing room. Tragically, he passed away at just 20 years old after battling skin cancer, continuing to play despite his diagnosis.

Upon entering the grounds, the vibrant atmosphere is palpable. The social club buzzes with the lively chatter of a full hospitality section, while supporters are warmly welcomed by dedicated volunteers. The rhythmic sound of soccer balls being kicked echoes from the pre-match practice on the field.

An hour before the game starts, the home dressing room is a tranquil space. With the players already on the field, Dunglinson takes a moment to share insights about the club and the lasting impact of their cherished teammate.

The players wear T-Shirts bearing the slogan ‘Charlie Boy’. Above the dressing-room door, there is a photograph of Charlie and his No.4 shirt hangs on his peg.

Charlie Watson continued to play on despite his skin cancer diagnosis until he died last summer

A picture of Charlie Watson hangs above the dressing-room door at Threave Rovers

The Threave Rovers players keep Charlie Watson’s shirt hanging in the dressing room

‘I have been in football a long time and I have never experienced anything like that,’ says Dunglinson of Charlie’s illness and subsequent death in June. 

Charlie had been diagnosed with stage four skin cancer. His story was reported worldwide and his extraordinary bravery has helped raise tens of thousands of pounds for research. These efforts continue. QR codes on banners and T-shirts testify to the determination to honour Charlie by addressing the disease that was his nemesis.

Dunglinson, who played for Rovers before taking on the managerial position, found himself in a dressing-room where he had to experience extraordinary events. First, there was the reality of Charlie’s diagnosis and his determination to play on. Then there was the shocking blow of his death.

‘I didn’t think I would be going through something like that in my first year as a manager,’ he says. There is an abiding lesson from an inspirational life. ‘It makes you appreciate things in life,’ says Dunglinson. ‘Wee Charlie is not here anymore but he is still part of things here. He always will be.

‘He is a massive part of what we do here. And as long as I am here, he always will be.’

He adds: ‘One thing Charlie and his family wanted was nobody to feel sorry for him. He wanted to be treated as normal. He didn’t want to be ‘’Charlie who has cancer’’. He was known here as Charlie who was a really good football player and the joker in the group. That’s all he wanted.

Threave Rovers manager Danny Dunglinson is ensuring Charlie Watson’s memory lives on

‘He never shied away from anything, he accepted every challenge with dignity. He never let himself down in any shape of form so it would be unfair if we didn’t speak about him.

‘Nobody will ever get over it. But talking about it helps.’

The club could have been forgiven for sinking into a morasse of grief, stifling any growth or enthusiasm for the game.

Instead, it has honoured the spirit of Charlie by being gently defiant, showing resilience in a desperate time.

‘Liverpool took a dip after the tragedy of Diego Jota and when we found out Charlie wasn’t going to recover there was obviously a downturn,’ says Dunglinson. ‘These guys – whether at Liverpool or here – are human beings. It’s going to take a toll on you.’

However, Threave have kicked on. Promotion was won and Rovers now sit five points clear at the top of the second division in the West of Scotland league. With the enhanced promotions because of league reconstruction, Threave are almost certain to play first division football next year.

This would be ahead of the five-year plan formed by chairman David McVittie and his committee. As the floodlights shine, McVittie speaks gently of a player lost but also strongly of a future that must be faced.

He will be 66 next month and will retire as a roofer. He already spends 40-50 hours at the club so who knows the level of commitment that he will embrace in the New Year.

‘Aye, I think there will be jobs for me to do,’ he says wryly, gazing over to a construction site beyond the stand. A 3g artificial pitch is being created and that will change the landscape physically and economically. There are already more than 300 kids in the club’s programme.

It was a comfortable victory for Threave Rovers against Larkhall on Saturday 

McVittie has been involved with the club for 45 years as player, manager and now chairman. He sees the future in youth. ‘We have to get the weans involved,’ he says.

The market for players in this area is tough with a number of clubs fishing in the same pool. A player pathway would obviously help the first team but the club wants to invigorate the entire system with an infusion of youth.

‘We left the South of Scotland league to move into the West so that we could progress up the pyramid,’ he says. ‘We are doing well but it has been hard work.’

This burden was increased by the tragedy of Charlie. ‘He was a great wee player for us, a good lad. It affected the boys in the team and had a big effect on the club,’ he says.

‘He was a hardy wee boy and he played through a lot of things. It hit the community hard. He is well-remembered here and the fund-raising continues.’

McVittie is part of a committee that is respected within the club. Dunglinson, unprompted, praises them for their work and support. A supporter, who does not give his name, approaches me and says: ‘This club is the pillar of this community. The social club is the hub of the town in many ways. The people here work hard as volunteers and give everything they have.’

Another supporter, Neil Porteous, is there to watch his son, Craig. ‘I come from a wee village outside Castle Douglas and as a boy I tried to get a game here but failed. I suppose I am living my football dream through my son,’ he says with a smile.

‘I love the grass pitch and would never change it but the 3g will add more and help us,’ he adds.

Threave Rovers call Meadow Park in Castle Douglas home – and they are looking to step up the leagues

The game plays out in a comfortable victory for Rovers who play some fine football. It is the last hurrah for Ross Irving, club captain, who is playing his final game for the club before emigrating to Australia. He will turn out for Geelong Soccer Club while his partner pursues a career as a psychologist.

‘I worked with Charlie at a joinery firm and he was my best friend at the club,’ says Irving, 24. ‘We sat next to each other in the changing rooms. We worked together every day, trained together at night.

‘This is an emotional day for me. I have a lot of links to this club but Charlie made it even more special. We spoke every day about going to Australia. He would tell me when he was ill that he would get better and come with me.

‘He was such a big part of the club, special to everyone. In the summer after he passed, I didn’t want to come back. That’s not like me at all. But I am glad that I did. He would be buzzing that I am off to Australia.’

This was evidence of the enduring energy that Charlie Watson transmits. It is felt in Meadow Park and now travels the world to pastures new.