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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Paul Thomson

Cambuslang Rangers striker closing in on 100 goals as he puts retirement plans on back burner

Cambuslang Rangers striker John Gemmell is closing in on a century of goals in the West of Scotland League/Junior ranks but he insists making the milestone won't signal the end of his playing career just yet.

Earlier in the season, the man nicknamed 'The Beast' revealed he'd half-heartedly promised his wife Nicola he would hang up his boots when he hit one hundred goals.

Now on 98 after a double in Camby's 5-1 win over Kello Rovers last week, he could conceivably hit his target on Saturday when the West of Scotland League Conference B leaders face bottom side Royal Albert.

And 37-year-old Gemmell said: "That's me on 98, so two more to go and the pressure is on.

"I've been looking after myself and I'm a lot fitter than I've ever been, to be honest. I'm in the best shape I've been in for the last 10 years at least so I'm hopeful of getting 100 goals.

"But I'm not so sure I'll retire.

"I think I've got one more season left in me, so we'll see what happens."

John Gemmell nets against Kello Rovers (CRFC)

Cambuslang are edging closer to wrapping up the title and need just seven points from their final six games to make sure of it, although results elsewhere could see them clinch the crown quicker if rivals Gartcairn slip up.

Gemmell isn't counting his chickens though, having had past experience of a title collapse.

But it would take something spectacular for the Somervell Park side to miss out on their first title for five years.

Gemmell added: "We are close now, so we'll see what happens.

"Gartcairn are away to Renfrew this week and Renfrew are pushing to get in the top four, so if Gartcairn drop points on Saturday and we win, we could wrap up the league with a win against Glasgow United at home.

"We've got six games to go and we are almost there, but I was at Cowdenbeath in 2008 when we were something like 27 points ahead of Dumbarton with 33 points available and we ended up losing every game - and then we lost the play-offs as well.

"So regardless of where Royal Albert are, you can't take anything for granted.

"You could get a man sent off in the first minute, so I just keep telling the boys to turn up and be professional.

"It's a great squad we've got and I hope we can wrap it up sooner rather than later."

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