Stewart Hutcheon has thanked Keith for their loyalty to him as he prepares to celebrate his testimonial.
The Maroons take on an Aberdeen XI at Kynoch Park tonight (7.45pm) as the 30-year-old’s service is recognised.
Hutcheon joined Keith’s youth set-up as a 15-year-old and has spent the last 11 years in the first-team.
The player, who is comfortable in midfield and defence, said: “I joined Keith in the youths when I was 15. The late Sandy Stables was the chairman and he made a point of knowing the name of every youth team player up to the first-team.
“Every time you were there he’d speak away to you and ask you about your life and things.
“Keith always felt like a family club and Andy Troup’s succeeded Sandy as chairman and followed the same blueprint really.
“It’s a family club and people around the club like Charlie Simpson (vice-chairman) and Fiona Simpson (secretary) treat you really well.
“That’s part of why I’ve stuck around for so long.
“I’m grateful to the club for sticking by me, they’ve wanted me to stay so I want to thank them for sticking by me and giving me the chance to play for Keith.
“I remember in my first season I played in testimonials for Kris Niddrie and Graham Lonie and they joked with me that it would be my turn before long.
“It’s hard to think that was 10 years ago, but to have stayed at Keith for so long and get the recognition of a testimonial is something I’m very proud of.
“I’m an Aberdeen boy so for the Dons to be sending a side up to play us is a great honour and I couldn’t ask for anything more really.”
Silverware success a golden moment
There have been plenty of ups and downs during Hutcheon’s time with Keith.
As he looks back over the years, he counts winning the GPH Builders Merchants Highland League Club in 2013, and being given the chance to captain the Maroons, as some of his highlights.
He added: “Winning the Highland League Cup in my first season was a major highlight.
“I would have liked to have won more, but it hasn’t happened – but it’s always tricky to win things and I’m pleased we managed to win a cup.
“Being made captain at 21 was a big honour.
“It was maybe a bit early in my career, but I’m still proud of that achievement and pleased to have captained the club.
“I don’t score very often so when I got my first goal, six years after my debut, that was a highlight as well.
“The whole time the lads were joking with me: ‘Are you going to score this season?’”
Looking to the future, Hutcheon is keen to help Keith improve on last season’s 15th-placed finish in the Breedon Highland League.
He said: “We want to try to move up the league a bit more towards the top half and hopefully try to put together a good cup run going.
“Ideally I’d love to pick up another trophy.
“The manager Craig Ewen has made some good signings this summer, so hopefully that can push us on.”
