Melville maestro Kane is given a grand send-off

Family, friends and players from various generations gathered at the RAF Club on Hillside Crescent as the retired accountant finally decided to call time on a glittering journey in amateur football which has stretched for over half a century.

Not content to rest on his laurels, he will look to explore further recreational avenues but Kane admits it will prove a sizeable task to prevent him making his way to the touchlines when Melville are in action.

He said: "I certainly feel a tinge of sadness but, on the other hand, this will be the first time in over 50 years I don't have to prepare for pre-season.

"It does feel strange at this stage and I have no doubts I will miss the involvement with the club but I won't cut all ties completely as I still intend to go down and watch the side on a Saturday afternoon.

"I thought I was on my way to have a little do with the current football team so I was completely unaware of this surprise. It was great to see players there who had represented the club all those years ago and meet up and have a drink and a chat."

Also in attendance was Ian Clarke, vice-president of the Lothian and Edinburgh Amateur Football Association (LEAFA), who offered words of sincerity for Kane and underlined his admiration for a man who simply fell in love with not only football but more significantly - Melville Rovers.

"Jim has been a sensation for Melville," Clarke said. "For anyone to be at a club for 52 years is quite incredible. Having played against Jim's teams over the years, they have always been a well-organised side. On behalf of the association, we wish him all the best in his retirement."

After the formation of the club in 1959, the death of co-founder and close friend John Harkess ten years later unearthed a phase of uncertainty over the future of the team. But a decision to continue was unanimous amongst the squad with Kane, a robust central defender, bringing his playing days to a close and opting to proceed with a coaching role.

Kane said: "I think John would be pleased to see how the club has progressed and is still running today. We did discuss amongst ourselves whether to carry on after John's sudden death but we all felt we should continue. His enthusiasm for the club was there for all to see and it was just so sad the way it happened."

Similarly to those who have played and coached within the game, Kane reveals his most recent position of instructing from the touchline fails to surpass the thrill of having a ball at feet. However, he recollects the admiration his side received one particular season as a fond memory that continues to fill him with an enormous sense of pride.

"Coaching certainly doesn't match that of playing I must admit. But there were times when I managed to get a few of our teams playing really good attacking football and on one occasion, we managed to go through the entire season undefeated until our final match. But over the course of that year, opposing managers would often say what a pleasure it was to have played against us and I think that's one of the greatest compliments you can receive in the game."

The dressing room of Melville Rovers will appear distinctly unusual without the presence of Kane's iconic figure. However, it is hoped that despite his departure, the club will continue to prosper under new stewardship.

Kane concluded: "Hopefully, the club will continue to strengthen and everybody stays committed as they have been in the past. I think the club has a good reputation and long may it continue."