Ricki Lamie interview
5th February 2013
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT AIRDRIE?
I signed last season with the under 19s, played well with the reserves and then signed for the first team in the February. Within six months I’d made the step-up and thanks to some injuries and suspensions I got my wee chance in the team and stayed in the squad for the rest of the season.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE MAKING YOUR DEBUT?
It was away to East Fife, and even though it was a defeat it was a brilliant experience. After that we went on that unbeaten run so it was brilliant to be part of that.
DID YOU EXPECT TO GO OUT ON LOAN THIS YEAR?
I had a wee suspicion when we got the move up to the First Division. Obviously the gaffer was going to bring in some experience and extra bodies. So as one of the younger guys in the squad I thought it was possible. But I welcomed it with open arms, and I was still playing in the Monday night reserve fixtures and I proved myself when I came back.
HOW WAS BATHGATE?
It was a brilliant experience, they’re a good bunch of guys. Obviously it’s difficult because it isn’t the same standard but it was valuable - I was playing 90 minutes every week which was good not just for my fitness and sharpness but for learning as well. There’s a lot of old heads to learn from in the junior game.
WERE YOU SURPRISED TO GET CALLED BACK, AND SENT BACK OUT TO CLYDE?
I was a wee bit unlucky because I was just back then had a niggling injury. So I was getting back into the swing of things and making it on the bench, trying to feature here and there. Then Jim Duffy enquired on getting me out. They’re a great club and I was chuffed to bits that he asked for me. I was please to go and get some playing time and I think it’s helped me along to get where I am now.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE PLAYING AT IBROX?
It was like a boyhood dream! I checked the fixtures when the deal had been done and seen it fitted in with my loan spell. It’s something I’ll never forget. Maybe not a good result but a great experience.
THEN YOU HAD TO PLAY PARTICK THISTLE IN THE SAME WEEK!
It was a hectic week! Just after the Rangers game the gaffer asked me back to training on Thursday for the Thistle game. I thought I could be involved in the game so I was chuffed to start and play 90 minutes - and get a decent result.
WHAT'S IT LIKE WORKING WITH GREGOR BUCHANAN?
We came in at the start of the season and then I was away out on loan, but me and the big man have been working quite close and we’ve struck up a decent partnership. It’s good because we’re both young but we’ve got a good understanding - I play left-sided and he plays right-sided so it works quite well.
AGAINST RAITH (AND DUNFERMLINE) YOU ENDED UP WITH THE CAPTAIN'S ARMBAND. HOW DID THAT FEEL?
It’s a brilliant wee thing to say you’ve captained Airdrie. It might have only been for 40 minutes against Raith, but to get it again on Saturday there was great. It’s a wee confidence booster as well.