East Kilbride YM boss Graeme Robertson admits being an Aberdeen fan gave him a certain perception of Kyle Lafferty.
But he insists that has all changed since the former Rangers striker came on board as a coach.
Yesterday, we revealed how ex-Rangers striker Lafferty is working with the Caledonian League side as he takes his first steps into coaching after Robertson asked him to join his staff.
A die-hard Dons fan, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say Robertson has had his fair share of things to say about Lafferty down the years.
The Northern Irishman is a colourful character and has known how to rub rival fans up the wrong way during eight years in Scotland, spread over two spells at Rangers and one season at Hearts.
Robertson confessed: “As an Aberdeen supporter, he’s certainly changed my opinion of him.
“Turns out he is a very nice guy and quite quiet as well, so there you go.
“Where ever we go with him he does get pestered at games.
“Thankfully, the majority of it is well-meaning. There’s only been a couple of times that there’s been some negativity, but to be fair to him he never reacts.
“He just ignores people like that.
“But he’ll stop for pictures and that with fans as well.”
Having a player of Lafferty’s experience at YM’s level is a huge coup for Robertson and with the player still on the lookout for a new club following his release from Rangers, the YM gaffer hopes his next club isn’t too far from home.
“We are hoping he gets somewhere in Scotland, so he can keep taking the training during the week with us,” said Robertson.
“Obviously, he wouldn’t make Saturdays but he’d still be able to stay involved because he is enjoying it.
“He is on the sidelines with us and it’s good to bounce ideas of him.
“With his wealth of experience, it’s great to have him here. He’s a good influence around the club and the boys listen to him.”
