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PICTURES: Hearts legend praises ‘stellar work’ of Thurso-based AG Coaching





John Robertson with Miller Academy P4-P7 classes
John Robertson with Miller Academy P4-P7 classes

Former Hearts and Scotland striker John Robertson chatted to hundreds of Thurso schoolchildren before taking part in two training sessions for primary kids.

The activities last Wednesday were run by Thurso-based AG Coaching in conjunction with High Life Highland, with sponsorship from Robbie Fraser and the Park Hotel.

John later praised AG Coaching for its “stellar work in the community”.

He spoke to more than 500 children at the town’s four schools – Mount Pleasant, Miller Academy and Pennyland primaries and Thurso High – about his playing and managerial career. He signed autographs and answered questions from pupils and teachers.

In the evening there were two fully booked coaching sessions for children from P1 to P7. Ethan Reid, Leo Watson, Adam Macdonald and Oscar Campbell were chosen as players of the day.

John is the most prolific goalscorer in Hearts’ history, with 214 league goals. He scored a record 27 competitive goals against Edinburgh rivals Hibs.

More recently he had two spells as Inverness Caledonian Thistle manager and was also the club’s sporting director.

Thurso High School sports leaders with John Robertson during his visit.
Thurso High School sports leaders with John Robertson during his visit.

John said: “I was absolutely delighted to attend the three primary schools and the high school in Thurso to have lively engagement with the pupils of all ages. I was delighted with the interaction from all of the pupils and their teachers.

“To finish the day it was also great to take a couple of coaching sessions for AG Coaching, who continue to do stellar work in the community for boys and girls of all ages, and I look forward to coming back again in the near future.”

Alyn Gunn, who runs AG Coaching, said: “It was a pleasure, as always, to have John up in Thurso. He has a wealth of experience which he passed on to the youngsters.

“He has an infectious enthusiasm which makes it easy for people to speak to him, and that showed throughout the day.

“Many thanks to all sponsors and parents for supporting the event and also to the schools for hosting.”

John was joined by former Hearts player Jose Quitongo for a weekend of coaching with children in Thurso in May this year, also organised by AG Coaching.

Pennyland Primary School pupils with John Robertson.
Pennyland Primary School pupils with John Robertson.
John Robertson with pupils at Mount Pleasant Primary School.
John Robertson with pupils at Mount Pleasant Primary School.
Miller Academy P1-P3 pupils with John Robertson.
Miller Academy P1-P3 pupils with John Robertson.
John Robertson with Adam Macdonald and Oscar Campbell, two of the players of the day.
John Robertson with Adam Macdonald and Oscar Campbell, two of the players of the day.
Two of the players of the day, Ethan Reid and Leo Watson, with John Robertson.
Two of the players of the day, Ethan Reid and Leo Watson, with John Robertson.
John Robertson with Alyn Gunn, who runs AG Coaching.
John Robertson with Alyn Gunn, who runs AG Coaching.

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