Kelty born and bred Craig Johnston joined the Maroon Machine in 2023 and quickly became a fan favourite. Craig knew when Kelty came looking it was a good move. “When I signed it was the right time for me personally because after being at Montrose for 6 years I felt like I needed a new challenge and after speaking to the gaffer I knew Kelty was the perfect place for me.”
Joining Kelty Hearts during a period of change at New Central Park didn’t deter the number 9 from signing. “I expected the challenge, the turn around in the squad that year it was basically a full new squad but what I will say is everyone involved at the club, players, management team, staff have all stood up the challenge and if I’m honest exceeded my expectations to be in the position the club is in now.”
Coming back to Kelty gave Johnston a chance to don the maroon of Kelty Hearts but not for the first time. “I had a loan spell at Kelty when I was younger, I think I was 18 but it was a short spell until December and it was when Kelty were still in the junior league so it was different to the Kelty set up we have now.
I’ve always watched Kelty since I was a young boy with my dad so it’s always been in the back of my head to return to Kelty. As I saw them climb the leagues in the way they did I always hoped that I would return at some point as a player.“
Now at Kelty Johnston put on the captains armband for the first time this season against Inveness when O’Ware was forced off with an injury. “Being from Kelty I do feel proud to have had the chance to be captain in the absence of Tam. It’s a good feeling but it comes with responsibility on the park too which I like to think I try live up to when I get the chance. Tam is my captainthrough and he’s a very good captain at that, he’s highly respected in the dressing room but I’ll always be more than happy to step up in his absence”.
Kelty have been in amongst the thick of it in a competitive League One which has seen League Leaders change every weekend.“I think we’re going good this season, we’ve had a couple strong convincing wins and performances so far. If I had any criticism it would be our consistency but in this league I feel anyone could beat anyone on their day, it’s a tough league and I think it’s been a positive start for us all in so far.”
Surpassing 50 appearances in Maroon for Kelty Hearts against Elgin in September it’s hopefully the first milestone of many.