Roland could see out his career at Greenock

Published 1 Feb 2010 14:00 0 Comments

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GREENOCK BOSS: Steve Mooney.

THE frustration continues for Greenock and Port Glasgow, whose matches were both postponed yet again on Saturday.

The Tele's junior football correspondent, Gary Pews, took advantage of the enforced break by catching up with Greenock's Roland Fabiani to chat about his extensive football career.

THERE is no doubt that Greenock manager Stevie Mooney has assembled a fine crop of young players this season.

But to mount a serious promotion challenge, the astute gaffer realised he had to add a bit of experience to the mix. Who better to turn to, then, than Roland Fabiani.

The sprightly 38-year-old returned to Ravenscraig at the start of the season, to the club where he began his Junior career over 12 years ago.

Before then, however, Roland had amassed some experience of the senior game at a high level.

As a juvenile with Shamrock and Port Glasgow High, his talent was spotted by Hibs.

Despite an appearance for the Easter Road club in a BP Youth Cup Final, the big breakthrough never came, and there then followed spells at Falkirk under Jim Jefferies, three seasons at St Mirren, and some time at Dumbarton with Murdo Macleod.

By then in his mid-20s, the central midfielder opted to pursue a more secure career path, and joined the police force, where he currently serves as a sergeant in Glasgow's east end.

That signalled his first spell at Greenock, where after three seasons he moved to Pollok, and in

later years played for Kilwinning Rangers, Bellshill, Arthurlie,

where he was assistant manager

to Mark Cameron, and then to Maryhill.

It looked like he might finish his junior career with the Glasgow club, but Mooney, with whom he played at Falkirk and Dumbarton, lured him back to Ravenscraig for a second time to add some steel to the heart of the defence.

And Roland is loving being back.

He said: "I am a former fitness instructor, so I help out with the training.

"I enjoy putting the players through their circuits, but I am not so sure that they enjoy it so much!

"But, seriously, they are a good bunch to work with, completely mad, but great fun.

"It is also good to be teaming up with Stevie and his assistant Martin Campbell again.

"Although lacking a bit in pace, Stevie to me is the complete midfielder, while Martin is the best training player I have seen - it is just a pity he can't take that on to the park!''

Eclipsing even playing in a national final as a teenager, Roland, who was born and brought up in Port Glasgow and whose parents still live in the town, is in no doubt about the highlight of his career.

"It was in 1996 at Ibrox'', he said.

"I was at left-back for Dumbarton against Rangers in the Scottish Cup, and was up against Ally McCoist and Mark Hateley.

"Gordon Durie and Trevor Steven were in the Rangers team that day as well.

"We didn't win, of course, but it was a memorable experience.''

Another major highlight is on the horizon for the sweeper.

He is the co-manager of the British Police team, and heads to Athens at the end of May for the European Championships.

By then, he will have hoped to have played his part in helping Greenock win promotion, which he feels is a definite possibility.

He said: "Individually, Greenock have a very talented squad of young players, but they lack experience and are sometimes a bit naive.

"But I have no doubt they will come good, and must have a chance of getting one of the promotion places.''

"I could see myself finishing my career at Greenock, but you never know. One down side is that, with living in East Kilbride, it is a round trip of about 90 miles to Greenock, and my shifts mean I can't always make training or matches . I will see how things

develop.''

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