Hospitality in Thurso was 'second to none', says former Rangers and England star Mark Hateley
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Ex-Rangers star Mark Hateley declared that the hospitality in Thurso was "second to none" after he took part in children's coaching sessions and a question-and-answer event in the town.
The 60-year-old former England internationalist was the star guest in a Rangers Soccer Academy roadshow hosted by Thurso Football Academy.
A total of 150 youngsters attended over two days at the Naver all-weather pitch, the highest number the academy has had at any of its events. They were split into three age groups – two to four years, five to nine and 10-15.
After poor weather for the first day of coaching, conditions improved for day two.
The Rangers coaches were Zander Carruth and Calum Ross, assisted by Thurso Football Academy's head of coaching Alyn Gunn, Richie Campbell, Jay Dufour, Keira Gunn and Liam Pearson.
The players of the camp were Jacob MacLeod, Thomas Nicholson, Jack Campbell, Liam Gunn and Jamie Steven, who each received a signed shirt from Mark.
Tickets for the evening Q&A event in the Park Hotel sold out within 40 minutes of being announced. Mark was promoting his autobiography, Hitting the Mark, published in November 2021.
Mark related some stories from his playing days at his various clubs. He recalled his his time as part of Rangers' nine-in-a row side, and went through the years from his crucial goal in the Champions League against Leeds United to his final goal for the club against Dunfermline Athletic at Ibrox.
An auction and raffle helped raise £2000, with some proceeds going towards upcoming academy events and the Rangers Charity Foundation.
Mark said: "I had a thoroughly enjoyable time in Thurso – the hospitality is second to none. It's a very nice area.
"The kids did great in horrendous conditions on the Monday in particular, so well done to them all. The Q&A went really well, and I hope that everyone enjoys the book."
Alyn Gunn said: "It was a really good couple of days and the number of kids attending this year was phenomenal. We really appreciate the support that we received.
"It took me eight years to get Mark up here but I'm glad we finally managed it as the event as a whole went beyond our expectations. Many thanks to all the sponsors, coaches, committee members, the Park Hotel, Kevin Tait and Mel Roger for making this event a massive success."
There was sponsorship from Robbie Fraser, A&J Mackay Plumbing, J Waters Paint and Wallpaper and S Gunn Joinery.
Mark had two spells with Rangers in the 1990s. He also played for Monaco, AC Milan and several English clubs and won 32 full international caps for England.
