Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Vale Keiran Love

Photo:  Keiran Love (right) with (L-R) Steve Pettit, Ronnie Bolton and Andy Baxter in 2017. [Photo courtesy of Ronnie Bolton.] 

Former Metro import, Keiran Love, who joined the Claremont side in 2000, has passed away suddenly in Scotland aged 42.

A midfielder, Love, 21, joined Metro with fellow Scots Steve Pettit and Craig Irving.

Metro’s coach at the time was another Scot, Andy Baxter, who was an excellent goalkeeper as a player.

Love had never been noted as a goal scorer, but with Metro in the top flight in 2000, he hit a hat-trick against South Hobart in a 5-4 win for Metro.

Love played as a professional with Prestayr Thistle in Scotland.

He played in the United States of America twice before the move to Australia and Metro in Tasmania.

In Scotland, he had played at sweeper, but was a midfielder when playing for Metro, who were in their first season in the top-flight Wrest Point League in 2000.

The Scottish imports and Scottish coach had an impact and Metro qualified for the final of the State-wide Vase Trophy that year.

After leaving Australia in 2001, Love lived on the Isle of Man for a time and played football.

He was selected to play in a representative team for the Isle of Man in a national football tournament.

He eventually retired because of knee problems and returned to Scotland where he turned his hand to management.

He was an assistant manager in the Ayrshire Premier League for several seasons.

Love was a gentleman on and off the pitch and those who knew and played with him, or against him, when he was in Tasmania in 2000 will be saddened by his passing.

5 comments:

Brian Young said...

Vale Kieran Love.
Hard to research Prestayr Thistle. I assume it is found nr Prestwick Airport on the outskirts of Ayr.
A beautiful part of Scotland.

Anonymous said...

Very sad news. Vale Kieran��������������

BP said...

Was a tremendous lad - had some great times with him and loved playing that year with him and Pets

RIP young fella

BP

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your beautiful words Walter. I will make sure Keiran’s family are aware of this. I mentioned to his sister Monica yesterday you and Ronnie were pulling together a tribute and she was delighted and said it would be a beautiful tribute for his son (Conor), to cherish when he is older. He was a wonderful friend to me and someone who had a huge impact on those around him. A tough time but a sincere thank you.

Best wishes,

Andy

Unknown said...

Well said Andy. A very nice tribute to Kieran. Condolences to all of his family and friends. Have great memories of the Scottish boys journey with Metro. Take care mate.