Former Elgin City captain Paul Kaczan will be recognised for a decade of service to the Moray outfit when a Hearts side travels to Borough Briggs for his testimonial on Friday.
Defender Kaczan joined Elgin in 2004 after leaving Partick Thistle, going on to make 231 appearances and scoring 17 goals.
Kaczan was part of the Elgin squad that reached the Third Division play-off semi-finals in 2012, ultimately losing 2-1 to Albion Rovers, although his involvement was curtailed by a back injury before a hip injury ended his career.
Kaczan began his career with Hearts, coming through the youth ranks alongside Jambos head coach Robbie Neilson, under the management of Craig Levein, who is now back at Tynecastle as director of football.
Kaczan’s former club has agreed to send a team north to honour the 32-year-old.
Ross Jack was the manager who made Kaczan captain of Elgin following the departure of midfielder Ross O’Donoghue in 2009.
Jack, now manager of Highland League side Turriff United, says Kaczan is a worthy recipient of a testimonial, having shown great loyalty to the club – despite having to travel north from his home in Hamilton. Jack is hopeful of a good turnout.
He said: “Paul was a great leader. I made him captain as he had plenty of spirit and heart.
“He was also good in the opposition box.
“He created problems with his power in the area.
“He did a great job for me. I still keep in touch with Paul.
“I hope he gets a really good turnout against his first club, Hearts, who he played with as a lad.
“He deserves it without a doubt. He was a fantastic servant for Elgin City. He was unfortunate with injury. He had an ankle injury and when trying to protect his ankle he strained his hip. Unfortunately, that put paid to his career at that level.”
Ally Whyte, who is on Kaczan’s testimonial committee, says the Glasgow-born defender was a firm favourite with City supporters due to his commitment to the club.
Whyte said: “Paul was very loyal to the club.
“He had quite a few offers to go to other clubs closer to home for more money, but turned them down to stay with Elgin.
“He was a good leader and for the youngsters he was a good role model.”